Wat Si Roi, Ayutthaya

Located along the banks of the Noi River lies Wat Si Roi, a sanctuary steeped in legend and reverence. Its name whispered through the ages, harkens back to a time of valour and sacrifice, when the souls of Khun Rong Palat Chu, the municipality’s elite, and the gallant 400 of Wiset Chai Chan were immortalised in stone and spirit. Constructed as a tribute to those who fell defending Kui Buri City (currently in the area of Ao Noi Subdistrict, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province) against the Burmese marauders during the reign of King Ekathat of Ayutthaya in 1759, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Thai bravery. At its heart enshrines a seated Buddha image in the posture of Pa Lelai (accepting offerings from an elephant and a monkey), a colossus soaring 21 metres high, its lap width spanning a majestic 6-metre breadth. Known as Luang Pho To or Luang Pho Rong Hai, this revered icon has captivated the imagination of the populace since rumours emerged in 1987 of it emitting blood from the nostrils, garnering widespread attention from the people of Ang Thong and neighbouring provinces alike, eager to pay homage to its sacred presence.