During the reign of King Taksin of Thonburi, it was a time of rebuilding the nation. Numerous constructions were undertaken, including palaces, fortresses, city walls, and royal temples. The architectural style of this period largely continued from the late Ayutthaya era. Building bases featured soft curves like the hull of a Chinese junk, with structures tapering elegantly upwards. Other architectural elements closely resembled those of the Ayutthaya style. Unfortunately, many Thonburi-era buildings were repeatedly restored in later reigns, so their current appearances mostly reflect the style of the most recent restorations. Original traces still evident today include Fort Wichai Prasit, the walls of the old palace, the royal audience hall and twin pavilions in the former royal palace, as well as temples both in the capital and provincial towns that were restored during King Taksin’s reign—later renovated again in subsequent periods. Still, certain structures like the ordination hall and small viharn at Wat Arun, ordination hall and old viharn at Wat Ratchakhrue, the old ordination hall at Wat Intharam, the Red Pavilion at Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the ordination hall at Wat Hong Rattanaram, retain features representative of Thonburi-period architecture.

Note:

1. Wat Arun Ratchawararam, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, at the mouth of Khlong Mon and across from Tha Tian Market, is one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples, showcasing Thai craftsmanship from late Ayutthaya through early Rattanakosin.

History of the Temple:
Wat Arun dates back to the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Makok, later changed to Wat Makok Nok, and eventually became Wat Chaeng. It was elevated to the rank of a royal temple by King Taksin, who, after the fall of Ayutthaya, broke through the Burmese lines and arrived at this temple in Thonburi at dawn. Thus, the temple was renamed Wat Chaeng (“Temple of Dawn”). After achieving independence in 1768 (B.E. 2311), he declared Thonburi the capital and expanded the royal palace grounds to Khlong Nakhon Ban, placing Wat Chaeng within the palace boundary. Monks were no longer permitted to reside there, and the temple’s territory became part of the royal compound. King Taksin then renovated the ordination hall and viharn of Wat Chaeng as best as possible within his 15-year reign.

Later, during the Rattanakosin era under King Rama II, the temple was further restored and renamed Wat Arun Ratchatharam. In King Rama IV’s reign, it was restored again and renamed Wat Arun Ratchawararam, the name it officially bears today.

Key Monuments at Wat Arun:
Several ancient structures at the temple are noteworthy, such as the ordination hall, which reflects Rattanakosin craftsmanship, especially from King Rama IV’s period. At the entrance are two demon guardians, each holding a mace—symbols of spiritual protectors warding off evil spirits. These figures reflect classical khon costume art and were sculpted by Phraya Hathakarn Banchach, though they have since been altered through restoration.

The entrance arch features a crown motif, and a cloister surrounds the ordination hall, housing Buddha images in the Maravijaya posture. The principal Buddha image, named Phra Phuttha Thammisarat Lokanath Dilok, is gilded and lacquered, with a lap width of 3 cubits and a span. Interestingly, its face was modeled by King Rama II himself. On either side sit two principal disciples in anjali posture. The interior murals depict the Buddha’s life story, while the inner doors and windows feature traditional Thai patterns.

Another structure is the viharn, housing Phra Champunuth Maha Burut Lakkhana Asiti Anubhapit, with Phra Arun (Phra Chaeng) placed in front. This smaller Buddha image, 50 cm wide at the lap, was brought from Vientiane by King Rama IV, as its name matched that of the temple. To the south of the temple lie the old ordination hall and small viharn, both containing historical relics. The old ordination hall features King Taksin’s meditation platform, crafted from a single plank of wood, measuring 1.67 meters in width. The small viharn enshrines the Chulamani Stupa relic.

Another major monument is the central prang (tower) of Wat Arun. King Rama II initiated its restoration, intending to increase its height from the original 16 meters, but passed away before construction began. King Rama III continued and completed it, including placing the crown spire. However, he too passed away before the consecration. The initial prang was designed by Phraya Ratchasongkram (That Hongsakul), a descendant of Ayutthaya-era artisans. Later, King Rama IV commissioned further improvements, especially the colored tile decorations, completed by Phraya Ratchasongkram (Kon Hongsakul), That’s son. The prang thus spanned the work of three reigns, incorporating restorations and additions up to the present day.

2. Wat Intharam (formerly Wat Bang Yi Ruea Nok):

This temple held deep personal significance for King Taksin, who frequently performed religious rites, meditation, and retreats there. It is also the site of his cremation and enshrinement of his royal relics.

Today, Wat Intharam is a third-class royal temple located on Thoet Thai Road in Bang Yi Ruea Subdistrict, Thonburi District, Bangkok, covering an area of about 25 rai. Its founding date is unknown, but it is widely believed to date back to Ayutthaya. According to tradition, the Bangkok Yai Canal area in Ayutthaya times was thick with Sa-kae trees, forming dense woods, while the opposite bank was swampy with reeds—ideal for ambushes against careless enemy boats. The term “bang ying ruea” (ambush boats) likely evolved into “Bang Yi Ruea” over time.

Wat Intharam was paired with Wat Ratchakhrue (Bang Yi Ruea Nai). When King Taksin established Thonburi as the capital, he greatly favored this temple. He ordered extensive renovations, expanded its grounds, and elevated it to the highest class of royal temple, using it for major royal religious ceremonies. He donated large tracts of land for temple use, constructed 120 monk residences, restored images, the ordination hall, chedi, viharn, and donated Tripitaka volumes. He visited the temple at least five times for meditation retreats, and it was also the site for royal funeral rites, such as for his mother Queen Theppamat (Nok Iang).

The funeral ceremonies for his mother in B.E. 2318 (1775) were elaborate. A royal crematorium was built over two months, with the royal body transported to the temple on Tuesday, 2nd waning moon of month 6. The cremation took place on Thursday, 4th waning moon, lasting three days and nights, with over 20 traditional performances and 6,000 monks invited. Coinciding with the ceremony, Burmese general Azaewunki besieged Phitsanulok, prompting King Taksin to dedicate merit from the ceremonies to his mother once more the following year.

In B.E. 2319, King Taksin held another grand merit-making ceremony in her honor, gathering troops and support from Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Chainat, Singburi, Ang Thong, Chachoengsao, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Suphanburi to assist the temple in this great religious celebration.