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 Suthat and the Giant Swing

A visit to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam, situated almost in the center of old Bangkok, gives you an opportunity to see both the Giant Swing and one of the first-class Royal temples. The surrounding area is also worth exploring as there are many shops selling religious items.

The building of the temple was commissioned by King Rama I, the founder of Bangkok, in 1807. Its location in the center of Rattanakosin Island. This was in keeping with the Buddhist belief that it is like Mount Phra Sumeru being the center of the universe. Phra Sri Sakayamunee, the principal Buddha image, was moved from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai to be placed in Phra Wihan Luang in Wat Suthat in 1808.