History of Ayutthaya - Temples & Ruins

WAT PHAO KHAO (วัดเผาข้าว)

Wat Phao Khao or the Monastery of the Burned Rice was located on the city island in
the eastern area at Ho Ratana Chai Sub-district. The temple was situated north of Wat
Suwan D araram and east of Khlong Nai Kai presently called Khlong Makham Riang.
Wat Phao Khao stood just opposite of Wat Ho Rakhang at the other side of the canal.

The monastery is mentioned in the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya. It was in this area that
the Siamese army of Phra Maha Thep tried to regroup after their defense lines in front of
Wat Kho and Wat Krabu e were broken by the Burmese in their attack of Ayutthaya in
1569.

The Burmese principal effort seems to have occurred in the south east as the northern,
western and southern flanks of the city were protected by the rivers, being a natural
barrier. The eastern side of the city was easily prone to attack as no real defense line
existed. The Pa Sak River did not change its course yet, and a large tract of land - only
partially cut by some shallow irrigation canals - lie in front of the city. The troops of
Prince Thammaracha from Phitsanulok and the Burmese Uparat (second to the King of
Hongsa) advanced over Kaeo Island (Crystal Island - the actual location of Wat Ko
Kae o) towards the city.

The regrouping and consolidation of the Siamese army near Phao Khao Monastery did
not succeed because Phra Maha Thep’s forces were so scattered that it was impossible
to reform the defense lines. Phra Maha Thep’s army was routed again and the Burmese
were able to enter the city, leading to the first fall of Ayutthaya. The event occurred on 30
August 1569. [1]

Phra Maha Thep was routed and retreated to regroup in the area in front of Kho
Monastery and Krabü Monastery. Being routed again and withdrawing to regroup
in the Vicinage of Phao Khao Monastery, his broken forces were so [B: scattered
and] [CDEF: repeatedly] separated that they could not reform their lines and the
enemy was able to enter the city.

There are no traces any more of the former monastery and it is classified as disappeared.
The exact date of its construction is not known. The temple is indicated on a map drafted
in the mid-19th century and on Phraya Boran Rachathanin's map of 1926.

Wat Phao Khao was located in Geo. Coord.: 14° 21' 9.27" N, 100° 34' 34.48" E.

References:

[1] The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya - Richard D. Cushman (2006) - page 73 /
Source: Phan Canthanumat, British Museum, Reverend Phonnarat, Phra
Cakkraphatdiphong & Royal Autograph - Final Hongsawadi Attack and Fall of
Ayutthaya, 1569.