Thread: Memory Lane (In my own language)

Now, let cross over to visit (my) God...


Speaking Buddha

Sukhothai Kingdom was an ancient kingdom in the area around the nowadays, Sukhothai Province. The Kingdom existed from 1238 until 1438. The old capital, now in Tambon Mueang Kao, is in ruins and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Historic Park.




There are a number of significant sites dotted around and one of the most photographed of those sites is Wat Sri Chum which houses a giant seated Buddha figure.

The Buddha figure here is known by two different names. The name ‘Pra Achana’ means ‘Buddha who is not afraid’ whilst the other name and more well-known to people is ‘Pra Pood Dai’ which means the ‘speaking Buddha’.

This second name was given by a role that the temple and its Buddha figure was given a part to play.

In the ancient Ayuthaya Kingdom (1350-1767), among many of rulers who fought for control of various parts of Siam. There was one, King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), who was famous in creating campaigns against the Burmese who ruled parts of Siam during his time.




According to legend, during an important battle, King Naresuan set up a camp at Wat Sri Chum. With his army low on confidence, King Naresuan selected one of his soldiers to stand behind the Buddha image and make a speech.

With, out of the blue, the appearance of Buddha figure talked directly to the troops, it boosted the morale among the King’s army.

Truth be revealed that there was a ‘secret staircase’ on one side of the Buddha which led to a small opening behind the Buddha’s head where somebody could stand and speak without being seen by anybody else in attendance before the Buddha or at the temple.

This acoustic sound would give the impression like it was the Buddha himself who was speaking.

The original temple which was said to be constructed approximately 700 years ago had fallen into ruin but was reconstructed in the 1950s.




Approaching Wat Sri Chum on foot, visitors catch their first tantalizing glimpse of the gigantic sitting Buddha who peers through the slit in the specially designed ‘mondop’. That presents an imposing sight.




At over 11 meters wide and almost 15 meters high, the ‘Speaking’ Buddha figure dominates the roofless building where it is housed. This means there is limited space for visitors, but this just serves to add to the experience. The staircase enclosed within the 3-metre thick walls to the left of the image is usually closed to tourists, but look for the elegantly tapered fingernails in classic Sukhothai-style.

Buddhists place gold-leaf on the fingers when making merit and the hands of this Buddha are one of the most well-known images of Thailand reproduced on postcards and paintings.




More information below:

เที่ยวสุโขทัย อิ่มอกอิ่มใจ มีอะไรทำตั้งมากมาย - Pantip