Amphoe Sukhirin
Wat Chon Thara Singhe
Wat Chon Thara Singhe is at Moo 3, Tambon Chehe, on the
bank of Tak Bai River. From town, take Highway No. 4985 (Narathiwat-Tak
Bai) to Tak Bai District Market intersection and turn left for
about 100 metres to the temple entrance. In 1873, Phra Khru Ophat
Phutthakhun established the temple and requested land from Phraya
Kelantan for its construction. At that time, Tak Bai was still
a part of Kelantan in Malaysia.
This is a Buddhist temple among a predominantly Muslim community.
It played a role in the secession of land between Siam and Malaya
(then a colony of the United Kingdom) during the reign of King
Rama V in 1909. The Thai side raised the fact that since this
is a Buddhist temple, it should remain with Thailand. The British
relented and agreed to use the Klok River (Tak Bai River) that
flows through Tak Bai as the boundary. Therefore, the temple is
also called “Wat Phithak Phaen Din Thai” or the temple
that protects Thai sovereignty.
The temple is generally peaceful and has a spacious lawn on the
bank that is ideal for relaxation. The chapel, built in the reign
of King Rama V, has wall murals drawn by Songkhla monks. The paintings
clearly recount the life of Lord Buddha and the interesting life
of locals at that time. It also houses a main Buddha image made
of gold, which covers its original features of a red mouth and
black hair. It is situated on a 1.5 metres high base. From the
style of the base, it is believed that this is a Mon image. Another
building houses a reclining Buddha image and the inner walls are
covered with old Sangkhalok porcelain.
To get there, you can take a bus to Tak Bai district. In addition,
there are mini-buses (20 baht), vans (30 baht and get on at the
roundabout in town) and buses. You can get off at Tak Bai intersection
and walk for around 500 metres. Vans will take you right into
the temple.
