Wat Sao Thong Tong

Wat Sao Thong Tong, an ancient temple is located on Koh Kred Island. Originally, it was named ‘Wat Mak’ or ‘Betel Palm temple’. However, all betel palms were cut down during the temple construction. Until in late King Rama IV reign, Chao Chom Manda Ampa, (King Rama II’s concubine), accompanied by Krom Muen Pubaan, and Krom Khun Worachakri visited Wat Sao Thong Tong, and renovated the temple, which was in dilapidated condition. Since all the betel palms had been eliminated, they therefore bestowed the new name to the site as “Wat Sao Thong Tong”. It has been called so until nowadays. Apart from being the place where the first fundamental Pratom school in Amphoe Pak Kred is situated, the temple also enshrines the highest chedi in Pak Kred behind its ubosot as well. Wat Sao Thong Tong was built in Ayutthaya art style, with a 12 indented cornered stupa behind the ubosot. The chedi was enshrined on a large rectangular pedestals, with 2 layers of small surrounding chedis as subordinate stupas. Beside the ubosot is located other 2 gigantic chedis. One is a round bell-shaped chedi, the other has a strange shape, situated on square pedestal. The body of the latter is in high circular bell shape.The ubosot ceilings hold splendid gold imprinted patterns called ‘Lai Kruay Chueang’. The principle Buddha image, one of the enormous stucco Buddha statues in Nonthaburi, was in ‘Marn Vichai’ posture. Mon people call this temple “Pieh-A-Lad”, or known as “Wat Suan Mak” in Ayutthaya period.In front of the ubosot stands a 200-year-old rubber tree, which is the highest tree in Nonthaburi. Also, San Song Kuman Pom Jook (2 topknotted children Ghosts Spirit House), and San Chao Mae Takhian (Takhian Goddess Shrine), respectable sites to local people and tourists, are located in the same area as well. Wat Sao Thong Tong is at Aom-Kred, almost opposite to Pak Klong Baan Laem Yai Kham. (Pak Klong can be called ‘mouth of the canal’ in Thai.) Wat Sao Thong has a pleasingly shady cool atmosphere. With its location by the river, the temple has fresh air. Pleasant surroundings of the temple make people who pass by feel serene,and peaceful. In the old times, kings, and members of royal family therefore usually came to visit the temple for relaxation. As found in evidence in 1897, Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phra Phuttha Chao Luang (King Rama V or Phra Piya Maharat) had made a trip to the temple, and stayed here for one night. The king greeted Phra Udom Yanmuni, the former abbot of Wat Thong Tong by asking the name of this island.Chao Khun Udom Yan then replied that this island’s name was ‘Koh Salakul’, however local people here usually called it ‘Koh Kred’. Phra Piya Maharat said this was the island of relaxation and bliss. He then entered the ubosot of Wat Sao Thong Tong to worship to the principle Buddha image. Then, he went to admire the big water jar and bowl crockery works at Jar moulding factories of Nang Yuah and Nai Jaao, who lived at the foot of the temple bridge. The king then proceeded back, and visited here once again in the Royal Kathin Offering Ceremony.