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Phra Wihan Yot (The Spired Chapel)
The Spired Chapel catches the eye with its colourful decoration of ceramic pieces and a superstructure resembling the traditional multitiered Thai crown.
The building was erected by King Rama III during whose reign the use of ceramic mosaic as
architectural decoration became populr due to the spurt of growth in trade with China.
The mother-of-pearl inlaid door panels of the front entrance are of early 18th century Ayutthaya craftsmanship. They originally belonged to temple in
Ang Thong Province. Inside the Spired Chapel, Phra Nak (which has been removed from its original chapel)
presides on a pedestal. Other important Buddha images are kept here as well as the ancient stone seat of the 13th century King Ram Kamhaeng of
Sukhothai (the first Thai Kingdom) who is remembered for his creation of the Thai alphabet
as well as for his administrative, political and military acumen that established Sukhothai's power in this region.
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