Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan (Wat Phlab)
- April 21, 2026
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Location:
Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan Located on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, in the Bangkok Yai district, near Khlong Bangkok Yai and old canal-side communities.
Approximate address:
Itsaraphap 23 Alley, Wat Tha Phra, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600
History of Wat Ratchasitharam
Wat Ratchasittharam is a second-class royal temple of the Ratchaworawihan type. Originally named Wat Phlab, it was built during the Ayutthaya period. Later, when King Rama I established Bangkok, he rebuilt Wat Phlab as a residence for Somdet Phra Yan Sangwon (Suk), a highly respected practitioner of Vipassana meditation. At that time, Wat Phlab was an Aranyavasi, or forest monastery. Restoration work has been ongoing, with a major restoration occurring during the reign of King Rama III, as King Nangklao had resided at this temple for one rainy season (one year) during his ordination. During that restoration, he bestowed upon the temple the new name Wat Ratchasitharam. After the reign of King Rama V, there are no records of major restorations or renovations; instead, new religious structures were added, as seen today.
Documentary Video about the Temple:
The main chapel of Wat Ratchasittharam
The main chapel of Wat Ratchasittharam is not surrounded by a glass wall or cloister like other temples, but rather by 24 meditation huts. These are small buildings containing a platform for a Buddha image and a meditation platform for monks. One hut in front of the main chapel houses a statue of Somdej Phra Yan Sangworn (Suk).At the four corners of the main chapel are truncated pagodas, housing statues of former abbots. The area surrounding the chapel is also decorated with numerous Chinese stone figurines, or “Abchao.”
Phra Phuttha Chularak
Phra Phuttha Chularak, the principal Buddha image in the main chapel of Wat Ratchasittharam, is a stucco Buddha image covered in gold leaf, in the Maravijaya posture. According to legend, King Rama II (Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai) sculpted the head of the Buddha image, and King Rama III (Phra Nangklao Chaoyuhat) sculpted the body. In front of the principal Buddha image are cast statues of Phra Moggallana, Phra Sariputra, and Phra Ananda.
Mural paintings at Wat Ratchasittharam
The early Rattanakosin period was a time of revival of traditional Thai art inherited from the Ayutthaya period. Therefore, paintings from the early Rattanakosin period are similar to those of the Ayutthaya period, and Wat Ratchasitharam is no exception. The murals at Wat Ratchasittharam are traditional Thai paintings, painted on all four walls, behind the doors and windows, and on the ceiling. The wall opposite the main Buddha image depicts the Temptation of Mara.
3D scan of inside the Temple
(The picture are from 2559BE, due to the fact that by the time we’ve visited the temple the paint were cracked and also in stage of renovation so they are not allowed us to turn on the light and that’s why we couldn’t get a clear picture)
The murals at Wat Ratchasittharam are traditional Thai paintings, painted on all four walls, behind the doors and windows, and on the ceiling.
The wall opposite the main Buddha image depicts the Temptation of Mara.
The wall behind the main Buddha image is painted with a depiction of the Three Worlds
(Heaven, the Human World, and Hell)
On the wall between the windows, to the right of the main Buddha image, is a painting depicting the Maha Vessantara Jataka.
The wall between the windows, to the left of the main Buddha image, is painted with murals depicting the life of Buddha.
The walls above the windows, to the left and right of the main Buddha image, are painted with images of a gathering of deities.
On the back of the doors and windows, there are paintings of guardian figures.
However, the murals at Wat Ratchasitharam are facing a serious problem of moisture in the soil is gradually rising up the walls. Wherever it reaches, the paintings become brittle, blister, and peel off. This has resulted in only about one-third, or half, of the murals between the windows, which were paid as noted during the early Rattanakosin period, remaining intact. Over time, even though they have been fixed sometime in the past the crack still occurs and some areas are hard figure out what it’s is about. As shown in the picture below
(Picture from the latest date)
Somdet Phra Sangkharat (Suk Kai Thuean)
Somdej Phra Ariyavongyan, whose original name was Suk, was the 4th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand in the Rattanakosin era. He resided at Wat Mahathat Yuwarajrangsrit Rajavaravihara and was appointed in 1820 (B.E. 2363). He held the position for 3 years and passed away on October 4, 1822 (B.E. 2365), at the age of 89 years and 272 days.
Biography
He was born on Friday, the 10th day of the waxing moon of the 2nd lunar month, Year of the Ox, 1095 Buddhist Era (corresponding to January 5, 1733 AD), during the reign of King Boromakot of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. During the Thonburi period, he served as the abbot of Wat Tha Hoi in the area surrounding the old capital and was renowned for his expertise in Vipassana meditation.During the reign of King Rama I, he was invited to reside at Wat Phlab (Wat Ratchasitharam) and given the title of Phraya Sangwon Thera. He was a teacher of King Rama I since he was at Wat Tha Hoi. The reason for inviting him to reside at Wat Phlab was because it was an important temple of the Aranyavasi sect of Thonburi, which later in the reign of King Rama III was given a new name, Wat Rajsitharam.
Myth/Legend Tam Nan
There are stories passed down through generations about the origins of this. A long time ago a squirrel was playing in the temple courtyard. Its beauty caught the eye of the monks, novices, and villagers in the area, who tried to catch it. The squirrel fled into a hole in the pagoda. The villagers poked at the hole to try and coax the squirrel out, but then an unexpected event occurred: a large number of Buddha amulets flowed out of the pagoda’s hole. Later, the abbot of Wat Phlab officially opened the vault and found a large number of Phra Wat Phlab and Phra Somdej Arharn amulets. It is believed that these amulets were likely created by Somdej Phra Sangkharat Suk (Kai Thuean) due to the similarity in their composition. This led to Phra Wat Phlab becoming highly renowned and valuable sacred objects.
An Amulet that came from pagoda’s hole according to the Legend
Phra Wat Phlab and Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang are very similar in appearance. The amulets have a white, dense, soft texture and exhibit crackle patterns resembling quail eggs. The main difference lies in the fact that some Phra Wat Phlab amulets show cracks in the material caused by heat, which are absent in Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang amulets. However, this is not considered a characteristic of all Phra Wat Phlab amulets.
There are 7 main variation of these amulet include Big/Medium/Small Version
1. พระวัดพลับพิมพ์ยืนถือดอกบัว (พิมพ์วันทาเสมา) Standing Buddha holding a lotus flower
2. พระวัดพลับพิมพ์ตุ๊กตาเล็กและใหญ่ Small and large Buddha doll type
3. พระวัดพลับพิมพ์พุงป่องเล็กและใหญ่ Small and large Buddha with a protruding belly type
4. พระวัดพลับพิมพ์เข่ากว้าง Wide-knee Buddha type
5. พระวัดพลับพิมพ์สมาธิเล็ก, กลางและใหญ่ Small, medium, and large Buddha in meditation posture type
6. พระวัดพลับพิมพ์พระปิดตาเล็กและใหญ่ (พิมพ์ภควัมบดี) Small and large Buddha with eyes closed
7. พระวัดพลับพิมพ์สองหน้า Double-sided Buddha type
Phra Wat Phlab, double-sided print.
The Phra Wat Phlab amulet, double-sided type, is a very rare and special type of amulet found today. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the front and back feature different images of the Buddha, unlike other Phra Wat Phlab amulets which have a plain, unadorned back.
Description of the amulet: Both the front and back depict the Buddha in a meditative posture. The figure appears plump and solid, with a smooth face lacking detail in the eyes, nose, and mouth. The belly is protruding. The amulet is brown in color.
Power: All-round protection and multiplied fortune.
Price: A Million Baht
The Phra Pim Pidta amulet, discovered in the crypt of Wat Ratchasitharam, is a highly sought-after amulet among collectors, commanding prices exceeding one million baht. Beyond its artistic merit, its spiritual power is renowned. Authentic pieces are now extremely difficult to find.
Characteristics of the Buddha image: The head is large and round, the hands cover the face with a protruding shape. The neck and shoulders are broad and thick. The right outstretched arm is longer than the left. The forehead is prominent, the back of the head is also prominent and shows fingerprints.
The power of the amulet: Provides protection, safety, and helps one overcome all obstacles.
Price: A Million Baht
Phra Wat Phlab, closed-eye Buddha amulet.
The Phra Pim Pidta amulet, discovered in the crypt of Wat Ratchasitharam, is a highly sought-after amulet among collectors, commanding prices exceeding one million baht.
Characteristics of the amulets: The head is large and round, the hands cover the face with a round, protruding shape. The neck and shoulders are broad and thick. The right outstretched arm is longer than the left. The forehead is prominent, the back is also prominent, and there are fingerprints from the printing process.
The power of amulets: Provides protection, safety, and helps one overcome all obstacles.
Price: A Million Baht
Phra Wat Phlab, small doll-shaped amulet.
The Phra Wat Phlab amulet, specifically the “small doll” or “lizard egg” type, is a popular type of amulet from Wat Phlab. It features a sharp, clear imprint, a small and compact size, yet excellent detail. Its shape resembles a doll, hence the name “doll type.”
Description of the amulet: The amulet is made of white powder with a soft, sticky crystalline texture and crackle glaze. There are small white nodules. The left ear is longer than the right. The chest is broad, resembling a U shape. The body is stout, the face is round, and there are visible neck tendons.
Power: May you be protected from harm and danger, and may you enjoy abundance, peace, and happiness.
Price: Up to 10K to a 1M Baht depend on the condition
Phra Wat Phlab, large doll-shaped amulet.
The large Phra Wat Phlap amulet, resembling a doll, was created in the same era as the smaller doll-shaped amulet. However, due to the difference in size, the use of multiple molds, and distribution on various occasions, there are significant variations.
Description of the Amulets: The image resembles a child’s doll, with a seated Buddha in a meditative posture. The figure appears large and stout, with bent arms at the elbows, thick legs, and stiffly clasped hands. There are visible tendons in the neck, and the back is convex.
Power: Protected from harm, invincible, and blessed with great popularity and charm.
Price: 10k-100k depends on the condition
Phra Wat Phlab, wide-knee type.
The Phra Wat Phlab wide-knee type, sometimes called the Phra Wat Phlab large meditation type, is a very similar amulet made of sacred powder, differing only slightly in its artistic style, with the large meditation type appearing more elongated.
Description of the Amulets The Buddha is seated in a meditative posture with a wide base. There are no decorative patterns typical of the Rattanakosin era. The face is round, lacking detailed features of the eyes, nose, and mouth. The knee area is wider than normal. The Buddha image is off-white to cream in color and shows natural cracks. The back is convex.
Power: Helps to enhance intelligence and bring good fortune and wealth.
Price: 100K-300K Depends on the condition
Phra Wat Phlab, small meditation posture
This is another type of amulet with exquisite and detailed Buddhist art. Its compact size makes it popular for being framed in gold and worn as a necklace.
Description of the amulet: Width 1.2 – 1.5 centimeters, height 1.8 – 2.3 centimeters. Triangular shape with rounded ends. The Buddha is depicted in a meditative posture with a round, oval face, U-shaped arms, and a slender body. The back is convex.
Power: It helps with decision-making, improves concentration and intelligence, and also brings good fortune in business.
Price: 10k-100k
Phra Wat Phlab, small bulging belly type.
The Phra Wat Phlab Phim Phung Pong Lek is an ancient powder amulet with a texture and surface similar to the Phra Somdej Bang Khun Phrom, and is easily recognizable by its bulging belly. The details are sharp and clear.
Description of the Amulet: Topknot hairstyle, broad forehead, face resembling a quince fruit, long ears, clearly visible neck, slightly sloping shoulders, arms wrapped tightly around the torso with elbows bent, protruding belly, large knees. Fingerprints from the printing process are visible on the back.
Power: Promoting abundance and a stable life.
Price: 10K-100K
Phra Wat Phlab, large bulging belly type.
The large, bulging-bellied Buddha image from Wat Phlap was created using a stucco mold with lime derived from burnt seashells, mixed with tung oil and flower pollen.
Description of the Amulets: The image is off-white with some black spots. It depicts a seated Buddha in meditation posture. The ears are large, and there are tendons connecting the head and body to the neck. The hair resembles a hat. The arms are divided into five sections, and the most distinctive feature is the bulging stomach.
Power: It brings compassion, popularity, good fortune, wealth, and ensures you never lack money. It also supports your destiny, leading to a stable life.
Price: 10k-100k Baht
How to take a closer look to see if it’s real or fake?
Its texture is similar to Phra Somdej Wat Rakhang, being white, soft, and often showing cracks, likely caused by heat. Some amulets may contain white or light yellow crystals from moisture reacting with the lime. The amulets were created by hand-pressing without a frame, resulting in a shape unlike modern amulets. They often have deep indentations on the front and a slightly raised back.
Temple Sanctuary
There are two sanctuary. The first, originally built at the same time as the main chapel, had red walls and was therefore called the Red Temple. It has since been demolished and rebuilt.
The Red Temple
3D scan of inside the temple
Originally, this hall was created in red color and that is where the name Wihan Daeng comes from. Then, ti was renovtaed and repainted white but the original red color can be seen inside the hall. Thus, it shows the historical charcater of this location.
There are main Buddha images inside the hall, which is called Phra Phutta Sitthimongkhon. This was built in 1973 during the reign King Rama IX. Also, Phra Thammarattanawisut, who was the abbot at that time, led local Buddhist people to make it together.
At the time of casting the Buddha image, His Majestry the King and Her Majesty the Queen came to be a part in the royal pouring ceremony and they gave the name as Phra Phuttha Sitthimongkhon.
In the front side of the hall, there are two statues of important abbots, which are Luang Pho Phram-ngam and Luang Pho Yu. They were respected monks who had a great role in the temple and community in the past.
The other temple is a replica of the Buddha of Compassion.
3D Scan of the inside temple
https://my.matterport.com/work?m=X4RRyPvbrkg&back=1
A replica of the Buddha in the Maravijaya posture, modeled after the original enshrined inside the Bodh Gaya stupa in India.
Width of the lap: 174 centimeters, Height: 22 centimeters. Carved from green jade stone from India. By the Wiang Phangkham Jade Stone Carving Group, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province. Created on Sunday, July 1st, 2554 BE (Buddhist Era), the waning moon of the third month. Completed on Wednesday, November 7, 2555 (6th waning moon of the 1st lunar month). Celebrating the Buddha Jayanti (anniversary of the enlightenment of the Lord Buddha). Built by Nun Aunruen Niamlim and relatives and friends. Enshrined at the Buddha Metta Vihara, Wat Rajsitharam, Wat Thong Subdistrict, Bangkok Yai District, Bangkok.
Buddha Staff
It is claimed that this has been passed down from the time of Gautama Buddha thousands of years ago, and that he used burial cloths to make lower robes for monks in his order, dyeing them from white to orange.
