Bang Kung Camp, Samut Songkhram

March 20, 2019

The imitate wall was construct to commemorate the war. This camp is the navy camp with the historical significance. After the 2nd fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 (B.E. 2310), King Taksin marched the army to settle in Bang Kung Sub-district. The camp was called Khai bang Kung. As Mae Klong was the route of Myanmar to march the army, the wall was built to guard Wat Bang Kung which was in the middle for people’s mental support and for soldiers to pay respect. King Taksin allowed Chinese people from Rayong, Chonburi, and Kanchanaburi to set up as the army to guard the camp. Thus, the other name of this camp is “Khai Chine Bang Kung”. He named this group of soldiers as “Phakdi A-Sa”. Feature : Bot Prok Pho is the church covering with four trees, Bodhi, Banyan, Indian fig, and Banyan tree. Luang Phor Puttha Munin (Luang Phor Bot Noi), the well-known monk, is located in the church. The Taksin Monument is also there. The mural painting in the late Ayutthaya period narrates the story about the life of Buddha.

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Wat Ban Laem or Wat Phet Samut Worawihan, Samut Songkhram

March 20, 2019

Located in the province’s main town, this temple was once known as Wat Si Champa and has played a significant role in Thai historical migration. According to royal chronicles, Burmese armies attacked the city of Phetchaburi in 1764, causing Ban Laem villagers from the area to flee here. The villagers, mostly fishermen, helped restore the temple and contributed two special Buddha images they had caught in their trawl net. One is a seated image and the other is a standing image. The seated image was brought to Wat Khao Takhrao in Amphoe Ban Laem, Phetchaburi, while the other was enshrined here in Wat Ban Laem and is commonly called Luangpho Ban Laem. Wat Ban Laem over time expanded and became a widely-respected temple, where the Buddhist faithful gather to make merit and pay homage to the remaining image. It was later awarded the status of royal temple of the third class, and renamed Wat Phet Samut Worawihan. Advance permission from the temple’s abbot is required for admission.