Wat Khao Takhrao

Wat Khao Takhrao is an old temple: it appears under the name “Wat Khao Din” in Phleng Yao Mom Phimsen, a poem from the Ayutthaya period. The National Office of Buddhism gives its founding as 1764 and its royal grant of consecrated land (wisungkhamsima) as 1955.

The name is thought to come from a wealthy Chinese merchant who paid for the temple and put a long-bearded Chinese foreman in charge; as the temple stood by a hill (khao), it was called “Wat Khao Chin Khrao”. Over time “Chin” became “Ta” and then “Ta” softened to “Takhrao”.

Luang Pho Thong is a Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara, 29 inches high and 21 inches across the lap, mentioned in Nirat Mueang Phet (1832). It is believed to be a ‘sibling’ of Luang Pho Sothon in Chachoengsao and Luang Pho Ban Laem in Samut Songkhram.