Wat Khun Inthapramun

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About Wat Khun Inthapramun

Wat Khun Inthapramun, located in Pho Thong, Ang Thong, is a Buddhist temple that houses the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand. This stunning 50-meter wide ancient reclining Buddha is an outdoor spectacle that draws visitors from near and far. The temple is nestled in a rural area, surrounded by rice fields, approximately 10 kilometers north of Ang Thong town. The temple grounds are dotted with the ruins of several ancient temple buildings and chedis, adding to the historical charm of the place.

The main attraction of this sacred temple is the white reclining Buddha statue, known as Luang Phor Khao. This image was built during the Sukhothai era, seven centuries ago. The image of the reclining Buddha represents the entry of Buddha into Nirvana and the end of all reincarnations. The temple is named after Khun Inthapramun, a royal tax collector who used some of the tax for building this sacred object. Upon discovery, he was sentenced to death and his remains were buried there.

The journey to Wat Khun Inthapramun can be a bit challenging, with navigating programs often falling short. However, asking locals for the proper route can lead you straight to the temple. The reclining Buddha is currently outdoors, as the original temple has been destroyed for a long time. Only the ruins of the pillars have remained. Surrounding the reclining Buddha image are large trees and vast greenery, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

A new high-tech main hall has been built recently, equipped with both an elevator and an escalator for the convenience of visitors. There's also a vibrant outdoor market that sells Thai eatables and Buddhist souvenirs. Despite being a major attraction, the temple is not crowded and maintains a friendly and peaceful atmosphere. Wat Khun Inthapramun is a hidden gem located only 120 kilometers away from Bangkok.

The temple was constructed during the Sukhothai period, its vast size still outlined by brick ruins. The largest and longest reclining Buddha statue in Thailand, 50 meters from topknot to feet, is enshrined here. Originally, the reclining Buddha image was housed in the image hall, or Wihan, but after a fire raged through the temple, the image was abandoned to the elements for hundreds of years. Many Thai kings have paid homage to the image, including King Borommakot in 1753, King Rama V in 1878 and 1908, as well as the current king, who presented royal Kathin robes in 1973 and 1975.

Inside an all-purpose pavilion, there is a statue of Khun Inthapramun as well as his presumed remains. According to legend, Khun Inthapramun was a revenue officer who secretly embezzled from the government to build the massive Buddha image. When the King asked how he obtained the funds, Khun Inthapramun did not reveal the truth because he was afraid that merit from the construction of the image would be passed on to the King. He was finally sentenced to death.

The central attraction is the reclining Buddha statue, which is said to be the longest reclining Buddha in Thailand. It is about 50 meters long; the one at Wat Pho is said to be 46 meters long. The statue is extraordinary, very well detailed, and it is amazing to just be able to stand next to something demonstrating such great craftsmanship. The temple complex may not have much else to offer, but the statue alone makes it worth a visit.

The temple was built in the Sukhothai era and despite the ruins, the reclining Buddha is completely perfect. The temple is a testament to the exquisite and ancient craftsmanship of the era. The temple is also home to a beautiful palace, adding to the grandeur of the place.

In the middle of rice fields far from any communities, this temple’s reclining Buddha, Thailand’s second longest, has an interesting story to tell. In the Ayutthaya era, Khun (Lord) Inthapramun had embezzled state money to fund its construction. When asked about his income source, the Lord kept silent for the fear that the merits would be the king’s instead of his and as a result was lashed to death. Centuries later, the temple became a tourist attraction, even visited by kings Rama V and Rama IX, yet the reclining Buddha remains uncovered, picture-perfect when the sky is blue. Behind the Buddha is the brand-new, million-dollar ubosot equipped with a lift and an escalator. It’s huge and rather empty, but the murals (the section near the lift specifically) have made headline news as they include images painted by young artists from Silpakorn University of the temple’s donors mostly in casual wear.