Massive temple to the west of Bangkok

[jpatokal]

So I flew into Bangers this morning, and the plane did a couple of loops around town while waiting for its slot to land... and I spotted something I've never seen before: a giant temple area to the west of Bangkok, roughly equidistant from the Chao Phraya and the sea, not too far from another river more to the west. The area was square-shaped, with artificial-looking lakes, islands, and forests. A lengthy two-sided boulevard leads to entrance gate on the east side, behind where there is a very, very large landscaped park pruned into perfect circular geometric shapes, a number of temples all around, and all the way at "back" (west end) what looked like a huge golden stupa glittering in the sunshine.

Anybody have any idea what this could be? :confused:

Update: A-ha! Found it on Terraserver (http://www.terraserver.com/imagery/image_gx.asp?cpx=100.32135214&cpy=13.77824153&res=15&provider_id=340&t=pan).

[GWR]

Phuttha Monthon. I've been there a couple of times, as long ago as 1991. It seems to be fully-endorsed by Thailand's Sangkha, as it frequently receives Royal Visitors; unlike the Thammaki Temple north of the airport, which is very much at variance with Thailand's religious mainstream.

Personally, I like neither. I can't fathom out why religion should talk about humility and then indulge in these megalomaniac fantasies. Perhaps more to the point, I'm no fan of the formal garden; and this is a formal garden written humungous. At least it's a bit more organic than Wat Thammaki; which just seems to be one huge concrete mess.

I think you'll find that it's not strictly speaking a temple, but more of a contemplative garden for Bangkokers.

Here's some info & pictures. Construction started about 48 years ago and lasted about 21 years. Opened by HM The King Bhumiphon:-
http://www.hasekamp.net/phutthamonthon.htm

This link contains further info and pics; and also describes the nearby 'Human Imagery Museum', which is a sort of waxwork exhibit of Thai culture:-
http://www.hasekamp.net/phutthamonthon2.htm

And from:-
http://www.hasekamp.net/newspro/

Phuttha Monthon to become World Buddhist Center
Posted on Friday, 20 May 2005, 9: 39 GMT

During the International Buddhist Conference being held at the United Nations Conference Centre yesterday, religious leaders and monks from many countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, Korea and Australia discussed the idea of having Phuttha Monthon to be the centre of Buddhism in all affairs. The Most Venerable Zin Ting suggested that Phuttha Monthon is a suitable location to organize the Ceremony of United Nations Day of Vesak. Phutta Monthon is situated in Nakhon Pathom Province, not far from Bangkok, and it is one of the largest sacred places for Buddhism in Thailand, with more than 2,500 RAI of land. Find our page of the center by following this link. (Source: Public Relations Department)

[GWR]

Most incoming flights from the south seem to use this pagoda as a 'beacon' around which to make a sweep when coming into land from the north. Pronounced 'Thammagai'. Interesting that it was opened by Princess Sirhindhorn. I suspect that wouldn't happen now, as many mainstream Thai Buddhists regard it as 'heretical'; and that's before we even begin to look into the Wat's extremely dodgy business dealings; and its tendency to home in on the vulnerable & gullible. Yet another one of those organisations who want to rule the world:-
http://www.millionairemagazines.com/cthai/profileindex.htm

It's almost impossible to miss from the air; day or night!

[jpatokal]

Thanks, GWR! Is there any way to get to Phuttha Monthon by public transport and how long is the trip from central Bangkok?

The Dhammakaya UFO has been discussed here before, although oddly I can't find the thread now... but here's their homepage (http://www.dhammakaya.or.th/).

[GWR]

No expert on BKK buses, but it's near Mahidol University's Salaya Campus; and this is what MU's site says:-
Bus No. 515 goes from Victory Monument in central Bangkok directly to Salaya,
stops in front of the Mahidol University, takes about 1 hour.
(b) Taxi from the Airport to Mahidol University, Salaya, takes about 1 hour,
price approx. US $ 9 / 350 Baht.

There's also Salaya Station, slightly North of MU.

North is right on this map. Salaya Station would be on the right. The station looks to be about 4 kms from Phuttha Monthon; which appears to be marked as 'Phuttha Monthon Place' on this map. I guess you would easily get a tuk-tuk or MC Taxi from the Station or MU.

http://www.en.mahidol.ac.th/image/map2d_e.gif

[ncr]

The Dhammakaya UFO has been discussed here before, although oddly I can't find the thread now... but here's their homepage (http://www.dhammakaya.or.th/).That was this thread (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=674&highlight=thammakai) (post 17 and onwards).

[Yappofloyd]

Thanks, GWR! Is there any way to get to Phuttha Monthon by public transport and how long is the trip from central Bangkok?

The Dhammakaya UFO has been discussed here before, although oddly I can't find the thread now... but here's their homepage (http://www.dhammakaya.or.th/).

Khun jpatokal, 2 out of the 3 times I have been there in the last few years I have caught the bus. #81 (aircon) which departs from Pinklao bridge and terminates just near the main entrance (24 baht cost) or you can catch any of the mutlitude of buses crawling down Th. Phetkasem and then catch 81 or 164 (none aircon, which goes all the way from Victory the Silom). Be warned though, like most bus stops the nearest stop (just past a large intersection) to the main entrance means a 15 min. hike into to the standing buddha. Not nice on a hot day.

I agree with much of what Khun GWR says in that it is over the top and frankly built for the middle class who have time to drive there. And really the whole place is so large that you need a car or motor bike to get around all the different areas.

If the Blue line ever gets built to near The Mall Bang Khae then it will be a quick trip but for now take a book for the bus ride.

[Jromerz]

Puttamonthon is also supported a lot by the present government:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jromerz/183248375/

There is a large temple-like building towards the back of the park, in the centre is a statue of the late Luang Por of Wat Paknam (who's successor founded Wat Dhamakkaya, if i'm not mistaken) .. I'll try and get pics of this also, to make sure that i have the facts right..

[Wisarut]

Actually SRT railway could help since the nearest station to Phutthamonthon is Salaya .... You can take Motorcycle from Salaya statiuon to Phutthamonthon though ....

Now, International Express 35/36 Stops at Salaya ... and the ticket from Hua Lamphong to Salaya is 40 Baht .... :p

For the case of Viharn inside Phutthamonthin, it is the buiilding containign the Inscription of Tripitaka in Pali language ... with Thai scripts ... Those 730 inscriptions are Marble steles .... :rolleyes: :cool:


Actually, Bus No. 515 (Victory Monument - Salaya) woudl help ....

[Mangoboy]

I've always wondered what that was. I have tried, but failed, to find it on Google Earth. The closest I've got is the Pathom Chedi in Nakorn Pathom. Is any kind sould able to provide me with a G Earth link to Puttha Monthon?

[Wisarut]

UIn such a case ... Use "Salaya" as a keyword for google earth or whatever :D

[Mangoboy]

I seem to be mistaken as to what I think is Putthamonthon - at least judging by what is at the Terraserver link provided by jpakotal. The place which has always fascinated me can be found if you search for these long and lat coordinates on Google Earth 14 05' 24" N, 100 38' 45" E Two MASSIVE structures in Pathum Thani.

Can anybody help?

[ncr]

The place which has always fascinated me can be found if you search for these long and lat coordinates on Google Earth 14 05' 24" N, 100 38' 45" E Two MASSIVE structures in Pathum Thani.

Can anybody help?Yeah, that's exactly that Wat Thammakai (or Dhammakaya) that has been mentioned a hundred times in this forum by now, like further up in this very thread, or here (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=10660#post10660).......

[Jromerz]

For public transport to Puttamonthon there are a few buses which pass by:

1. Aircon 539 from Victory Monument all the way and you can get off right in front of the park (well, have to cross the road first).

2. Aircon 170 from Morchit 2, which passes Pinklao and then all the way to get off in front of the park.

3. From Salaya train station you can take Aircon 84 Gor (as in Thai letter Gor Gai) - orange Euro bus - which passes in front of the park also.

4. Aircon 515 (orange Euro bus) from Victory Monument to Talad Puttamonthon (just before Sai 4, next to Klong Tawee Wattana), and then get either 539 or 170 to go to the park.

5. There are also minivans from Pinklao, Pratunam area, Morchit - their final destination is Om Noi or Om Yai ... but i'm not sure of the numbers..

6. From Bang Kae area (along Petch Kasem) can also take the aircon 84 Gor (I think it runs from around Klong San area .. not sure also)

That should be most of the ways to get there.. hope it helps ;)

[GWR]

Something distinctly fishy about this case, as reported by the Nation today: -

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/08/23/national/national_30011750.php

Monk's fraud trial scrapped

Phra Thammachayo's donation of Bt950m to temple prompts prosecutors to request case be dropped, citing 'need to avoid public division'


The Criminal Court yesterday discharged a trial against former Wat Dhammakaya abbot Phra Thammachayo on embezzlement charges at the request of public prosecutors after the influential monk gave more than Bt950 million to the temple.


The decision has resulted in three other indictments against the monk and several people being ceased permanently, said Office of the Attorney-General spokesman Atthaphol Yaisawang.


The trial, which saw the indictment of the monk and close aide Thaworn Phromthaworn, began in October 1999 on two counts of embezzlement.


After more than 100 sessions, the trial was in its final phase, with only defence witnesses testifying.


According to the indictment, the monk bought a plot of land in Phichit with Bt6.2 million donated to the temple and paid Bt29.8 million to buy another two plots in the province and Phetchabun. Thaworn's name was used in title deeds as owner of the three


plots.


Chief prosecutor Winyoo Winyukul said the request for the trial to be discharged was made because Phra Thammachayo had agreed to provide Buddhist sermons and teachings in a way according to mainstream Buddhist doctrines, as instructed by the Supreme Sangha Council and His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch.


He said the monk had also given more than Bt959 million to the temple on


several occasions through various donations.


Winyoo cited "the need not to create further division among the public in the current political situation" and "the risk of possibly creating conflicts between Buddhists both within the country and elsewhere" as reasons to make the request.


The three separate indictments, which were being considered by prosecutors, concerned three separate acts by the monk and other people.


In two cases, the monk and many people allegedly bought several plots with a total of Bt940 million donated to the temple and in the other case the monk with five other people allegedly forged official documents.


Law lecturer Preecha Suwannathat later commented that the prosecutors' explanation for why the trial was discharged were not clear to him and called on them to clarify their reasoning.


He added: "It has to be stated more clearly whether the trial has been dropped over legal technicalities or out of political motives."


Wat Dhammakaya was used as a venue to hold a pro-government mass gathering of officials of local administrative bodies on July 17-18, during which caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a speech.

Kesinee Tangkhiew


The Nation