Wat Phothong is located in Ban Phothong, Kham Yat Subdistrict, Phothong District, Ang Thong Province, approximately 9 kilometers from Ang Thong city along the Ang Thong-Phothong road. It is one of the ancient temples of historical significance, dating back to the Ayutthaya period when it was the capital of Thailand.

 

According to records in the Royal Chronicles, Wat Phothong has connections to Phra Thetsurat Suriyamaree, Prince Uthumphon, or Khun Phon Phinit (also known as Khun Luang Ha Wat), a younger brother of King Suriyamaree, who ordained at Wat Phothong. He constructed a royal residence known as "Kham Yat Building." During the reign of King Rama VI, he visited and stayed at this building while traveling along the Minor and Major Rivers in the old capital region in 1916.

 

Today, Wat Phothong and Kham Yat Building remain located in Kham Yat Subdistrict, Phothong District. The temple has gained widespread recognition throughout Ang Thong and is revered as a place of faith, especially during the tenure of "Luang Phor Som Suchivo" or "Phra Kru Sophon Siritham," who was a renowned monk, traditional medicine practitioner, educator, and community developer. He passed away peacefully on June 10, 2014, at the age of 84.

 

Getting to Wat Phothong To reach Wat Phothong, you can easily travel from Ang Thong city by taking the Ang Thong-Phothong road (Highway No. 3064). Drive approximately 9 kilometers, and you will find the entrance to Wat Phothong located at Ban Phothong, opposite the entrance to Ban Bang Chao Cha.

 

For those using public transportation, you can take a minibus or local bus from Bangkok to Ang Thong. From there, you can use local transportation or motorcycle taxis to get to Wat Phothong.

 

Wat Phothong serves not only as a religious center and a point of faith in the area but also as a valuable historical site, showcasing ancient architecture and structures that remain beautiful and intriguing for those interested in the history and culture of Thailand.