Wat Ban Kao
| Wat Ban Kao | |
|---|---|
วัดบ้านเก่าจมน้ำ | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Theravada Buddhism |
| Submerged | |
| Location | |
| Location | Ko subdistrict, Li district, Lamphun province, Thailand |
| Country | Thailand |
 Interactive map of Wat Ban Kao | |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Buddhist temple |
| Established | 1955 |
Wat Ban Kao (Thai: วัดบ้านเก่าจมน้ำ) is a submerged historic temple in Ko subdistrict, Li district, Lamphun province, Thailand. It is located at Kaeng Ko in Mae Ping National Park, in the area of the former Ban Ko Chok and Ban Ko Nong communities. The remains of the temple are normally submerged by the reservoir formed by Bhumibol Dam and become visible when the water level falls.[1][2]
History
[edit]Wat Ban Kao was built in 1955 (B.E. 2498) and originally served the communities of Ban Ko Chok and Ban Ko Nong along the Ping River.[3] The temple was later submerged after the construction of Bhumibol Dam raised the water level of the Ping River, and residents of the two communities moved to higher ground.[2]
The former temple and settlement are now within the reservoir at Kaeng Ko. The Lamphun Provincial Office for Local Administration describes Wat Ban Kao as a historic site in the middle of the Ping River. The remains are normally underwater and become visible when the reservoir level falls.[1]
The site is associated with Khruba Chaiyawongsa Phatthana, who was born in the former Ban Ko community. Mae Ping National Park officials identify Wat Ban Kao as his birthplace temple. A local ceremony known as Song Nam Wat Ban Kao is held there in April each year, with devotees from several areas taking part.[2]
Remains
[edit]The temple ruins include old bricks, sections of the temple wall, and an image associated with Khruba Chaiyawongsa Phatthana. A large rain tree (Thai: ต้นฉำฉา) also stands in the reservoir near the ruins.[2]
When the reservoir level falls, parts of the temple become visible, including the entrance arch and the top of a chedi.[4] The site can be reached by boat from Kaeng Ko when the water level permits access.[1]
In 2026, the Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization surveyed Wat Ban Kao and the large rain tree at Kaeng Ko as potential historical tourism attractions.[5]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 "วัดบ้านเก่าจมน้ำ ณ แก่งก้อ อ.ลี้ ลำพูน" [Wat Ban Kao submerged in water at Kaeng Ko, Li District, Lamphun]. Lamphun Provincial Office for Local Administration (in Thai).
- 1 2 3 4 "อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่ปิง เปิดภาพ "วัดบ้านเก่าจมน้ำ" แหล่งประวัติศาสตร์กลางลำน้ำแม่ปิง" [Mae Ping National Park releases images of Wat Ban Kao submerged in water, a historic site in the middle of the Ping River]. Chiang Mai News (in Thai).
- ↑ "เคยเห็นแต่พระจมน้ำ! "วัดบ้านเก่า" อุทยานฯ แม่ปิง ตอนนี้แห้งขอดจนเป็นทุ่งเลี้ยงวัว พิษวิกฤติแล้งหนัก" [Wat Ban Kao in Mae Ping National Park becomes dry land during severe drought]. Daily News (in Thai).
- ↑ "วัดบ้านเก่าจมน้ำ ลำพูน ล่องเรือแก่งก้อ ชมต้นฉำฉากลางน้ำ ที่เที่ยว Unseen หาชมยาก" [Wat Ban Kao submerged in water, Lamphun: boat trip at Kaeng Ko to see the rain tree in the water]. Kapook (in Thai).
- ↑ "อบจ.ลำพูน ลงพื้นที่สำรวจพิกัดท่องเที่ยว Unseen แห่งใหม่ ณ แก่งก้อ อ.ลี้ เตรียมยกระดับ "วัดบ้านเก่าจมน้ำ" และ "เก๊าฉำฉ่ากลางน้ำ" เป็นจุดเช็คอินเชิงประวัติศาสตร์" [Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization surveys new tourism sites at Kaeng Ko]. Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization (in Thai).