Thailand: Detail from an early 19th-century fresco at Wat Suwannaram in Thonburi, near Bangkok.

Thonburi, or Bangkok Noi, sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and was the capital of Siam during the reign of King Taksin (1768-82).

The design and construction of the Buddhist temple of Wat Suwannaram is of the Ayutthaya period (1351-1767).

The temple has been restored twice: once under Rama I, and again in the time of Rama V. It was originally a monastery called Wat Thong (Golden Wat), again later named Wat Suwannaram ( Golden Monastery) by King Rama I.

At the time of King Taksin the Great, the site was used as an execution place for Burmese prisoners of war. Until the period of the reign of King Rama V the grounds of Wat Suwannaram were also used as the Royal Cremation site for members of the Royal Family and high-rankling officials.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

Old Siam