Wat Thang Sai (Phra Buddha Kitisirichai) is located atop Khao Thong Chai, overlooking Ban Khuad beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. This ancient and significant temple houses revered relics and objects of worship highly respected by the local community. It is the site of the Mahathat Chedi Phakdee Prakard, which was built to honor and dedicate merit on the occasion of His Majesty the King’s 50th anniversary on the throne. Additionally, it features the large statue of Phra Buddha Kitisirichai, which faces the sea and serves as a symbol of good fortune for the people of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

 

Phra Buddha Kitisirichai is a seated Buddha statue made of brick and mortar, covered with gold leaf. Its face radiates compassion, adorned in the beautiful Kanthararat style. The statue stands 9 meters high, including its base, with a lap width of 5 meters, symbolizing the Five Aggregates and the Nine Supreme Truths, which represent the connection to the Dharma that leads to liberation from suffering. The base measures 16 meters wide, symbolizing the 16 kinds of wisdom. Surrounding the Buddha statue are alcoves featuring bronze sculptures of revered monks and the shrine of Admiral Prince Borom Wongthetha Chumphon Khet Udomsak, which is a place of worship for the general public.

 

The creation of Phra Buddha Kitisirichai stemmed from the people's devotion to express loyalty to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her 60th birthday in 1992. On June 6, 1996, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn placed the relics in the statue.

 

It is believed that those who pay their respects at the Mahathat Chedi Phakdee Prakard and Phra Buddha Kitisirichai will receive great merit, bringing prosperity and good fortune to their lives. The relic worship ceremony is held annually on Visakha Bucha Day, with participation allowed for only three days.

 

Wat Thang Sai is situated by Ban Khuad beach in Thong Chai Sub-district, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. It serves as a source of knowledge about architecture, painting, sculpture, religion, and ecology. The temple also houses the royal residence of Admiral Prince Borom Wongthetha Chumphon Khet Udomsak, offering beautiful views of Ban Khuad beach and palm trees, making it an ideal spot for watching sunrises and sunsets.

 

Wat Thang Sai, perched on Khao Thong Chai, is not only a sacred place of worship but also a symbol of faith and respect for Buddhism. It stands as a cultural and architectural treasure worth preserving and passing on to future generations.

 

Additionally, there is a statue of Admiral Prince Borom Wongthetha Chumphon Khet Udomsak, alongside Phra Buddha Kitisirichai, which measures a lap width of 10 meters, a height of 13.85 meters, and a base height of 4.18 meters, making it a popular site for tourists and the general public to pay their respects.