Wat Chon
Thara Singhe is at Moo 3, Tambon Chehe, on the bank of Tak Bai
River. From town, take Highway No. 4985 (Narathiwat-Tak Bai) to Tak
Bai District Market intersection and turn left for about 100 metres
to the temple entrance. In 1873, Phra Khru Ophat Phutthakhun
established the temple and requested land from Phraya Kelantan for
its construction. At that time, Tak Bai was still a part of Kelantan
in Malaysia.
This is a Buddhist temple among a predominantly Muslim community. It
played a role in the secession of land between Siam and Malaya (then
a colony of the United Kingdom) during the reign of King Rama V in
1909. The Thai side raised the fact that since this is a Buddhist
temple, it should remain with Thailand. The British relented and
agreed to use the Klok River (Tak Bai River) that flows through Tak
Bai as the boundary. Therefore, the temple is also called “Wat
Phithak Phaen Din Thai” or the temple that protects Thai
sovereignty.
The temple is generally
peaceful and has a spacious lawn on the bank that is ideal for
relaxation. The chapel, built in the reign of King Rama V, has wall
murals drawn by Songkhla monks. The paintings clearly recount the
life of Lord Buddha and the interesting life of locals at that time.
It also houses a main Buddha image made of gold, which covers its
original features of a red mouth and black hair. It is situated on a
1.5 metres high base. From the style of the base, it is believed
that this is a Mon image. Another building houses a reclining Buddha
image and the inner walls are covered with old Sangkhalok porcelain.
To get there, you can take
a bus to Tak Bai district. In addition, there are mini-buses (20
baht), vans (30 baht and get on at the roundabout in town) and
buses. You can get off at Tak Bai intersection and walk for around
500 metres. Vans will take you right into the temple.
