A Tribute to Mae Fa Luang, “The Mother of us all” When Princess Srinakarin, the mother of King Rama IX, passed away in 1995 it was one of the saddest times in Thailand’s modern history. This remarkable woman was born a commoner, daughter of a goldsmith in Nonthaburi province and grew up in Thonburi near Wat Anongkharam. Throughout her life, she never forgot her humble beginning and devoted her considerable energy to improving the life of all Thais. The most well-known of her achievements was the establishment of the Doi Tung Foundation to assist the northern hilltribes. In 1993, King Bumipol Adulyadej expressed his wish to renovate the area around his mother’ childhood home in Thonburi as thanks to Princess Srinakarin who is still referred to as “Mae Fa Luang” meaning “The Mother of Us All”.

Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram

Situated to the north of Saran Rom Park, the temple is relatively small and covers a total area of approximately 2 rai. It was built in the reign of King Rama IV who intended it to be a temple in the Dhammayutika Sect as well as to be one of the 3 major temples as required by an old tradition to be situated within the capital. The place was originally a royal coffee plantation in the reign of King Rama III. With his personal donation, King Rama IV bought the plantation and had a small temple constructed there, naming it “Wat Ratchapradit Sathitthammayutikaram”. Later, he had the name changed to “Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram”. A place of interest in this temple is Phra Wihan Luang - the royal image hall - which houses mural paintings depicting “The Royal Ceremonies over 12 Months” and legend of the solar eclipse phenomenon. Open : Daily from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Admission : Free Tel : 0 2222 0855