| WAT KHOK KAEO (วัดโคกแก้ว) |
| Wat Khok Kaeo or the Monastery of the Crystal Mound is a ruin located off the main island in the Southeast sector. It is one of the southernmost monasteries on a 1993 map. The nearest landmark would be the Japanese village. Wat Khok Kaeo was remotely located along rice fields. It would have been accessible via Chao Phraya River or Khlong Rong Wari. In situ is large unidentifiable brick structure. An enormous Bodhi tree has grown entirely over it, appearing to swallow it like a giant squid. There is a basic foundation remaining and possibly a chedi. However, the Bodhi tree engulfs most of the ruin’s remains, leaving a clump of collapsed bricks. A modern Buddha image in the Taming Mara pose has been placed on site, which serves as part of a shrine for offerings. The history of Wat Khok Kaeo and its construction date is unknown. It is not clear what purpose it served in this remote location. Locals have told me that a ghost lives in this tree. I was warned not to disturb it. Nevertheless a countryside road passes directly beside the former monastery, and traffic may become a future issue. |
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| Text & photographs by Ken May - April 2009 |
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| (Detail of a 2007 Fine Arts Department GIS map - Courtesy of the Fine Arts Department - 3th Region) |
| (View of the ruin of Wat Khok Kaeo) |
| (Buddha image in situ) |
