Wat Lokaya Sutharam, Buddhist temple ruins in Pratu Chai, Thailand
Wat Lokaya Sutharam is a temple complex with a 42-meter-long reclining Buddha statue made of brick, positioned behind the ubosot and facing west. The grounds also feature a 30-meter Khmer-style prang at the eastern entrance, three vihans, and an octagonal-based Lanna-style chedi decorated with preserved stucco details.
Construction of the temple began during the Ayutthaya Kingdom under King Nakharintharathirat and blends architectural elements from Thai and Khmer traditions. This mixing of styles reflects the cultural exchanges that shaped the region over centuries.
The reclining Buddha statue receives regular offerings from visitors who place gold leaf on its surface and create a small altar beside it.
The grounds are accessible through multiple pathways from the western side of Khlong Tho, with a new road providing direct access to the site. Visitors should stick to the main paths to protect the ruins and monuments.
The reclining Buddha has an unusual vertical arm position that sets it apart from other similar statues and shows how local artisans adapted religious forms. This distinctive feature makes the work a notable example of creativity within spiritual craftsmanship.
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