Situated in the Surat Thani Province, in the South of Thailand, is the ancient city of Chaiya. The name Chaiya is attributed to many different legends and stories. Some say that it is derived from the Malay word ‘Cahaya’ by which it was once known. Others say that it is a breakdown of the name Srivijaya, as the city of Chaiya was the capital city during the Srivijaya rule during the 5th – 13th century. Some go so far as to say that during the ruling period of Srivijaya, Chaiya was the royal capital city. However many scholars disagrees with this fact to this date due to the non availability of factual evidence.
Being a devout Buddhist nation, the Chaiya city too has its share of Buddhist temples and monasteries. Certain inscriptions found in and around the area speak of the erection of three stupas by the Srivijaya King. It is thought that Wat Phra Borom That is one of them.
This temple is an excellent example of Srivijaya influence on architectural style and religious buildings and is thought to have been constructed over 1200 years ago. It is at the centre of a compound which houses several other Buddha images and Buddhist sculptures as well as the remains of two other stupas.
As far as history and architecture are concerned, the Wat Phra Borom That in Chaiya is an important, historical and cultural place to visit that attracts its fair share of visitors each year.
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