Thai Buddhism in Thailand

Statue of King Rama II in front of Wat Arun

In Thailand there are over 30,000 temples of which about 200 are known as royal temples. These were either built by royalty or have come under royal sponsorship. The first five kings of the Chakri dynasty each built major temples to which they are today identified with. The ashes of these kings were also enshrined at these temples. The latter kings did not build any new major temples but undertook restoration instead. The next time you are in Thailand, if you visit any of these temples, make sure you take the time to pay respects to the great kings of the Chakri Dynasty:

King Rama I – base of the presiding Buddha in the ubosot at Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho)
King Rama II – base of the presiding Buddha in the ubosot at Wat Arun
King Rama III – base of the presiding Buddha in the ubosot at Ratcha Orasaram
King Rama IV – base of the presiding Buddha in the ubosot at Wat Ratchapradit
King Rama V – base of the presiding Buddha in the ubosot at Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)
King Rama VI – base of the presiding Buddha in the northern wihan at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi (in Nakhon Pathom)
King Raa VII – base of the presiding Buddha in the ubosot at Wat Ratchabophit
King Rama VIII – base of the presiding Buddha in the wihan at Wat Sutat.