Tracing the Discovery of the Treasure of Wat Ratchaburana: A Legend of the Ancient Capital

By Contributing Writer

Photo by Contributing Writer

Wat Ratchaburana is located in the Tha Wasukri Subdistrict of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, within Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. It is located near Pa Than Bridge and adjacent to Wat Mahathat on the eastern side, just a short distance from the Ancient Royal Palace. This temple is regarded as one of the largest and oldest in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. There are several options for visiting this historic site, including by train, bus, or private car.

If you travel by train, tickets can be purchased at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, which offers multiple daily departures to Ayutthaya Station. We previously had the opportunity to explore the beauty of Chaiwatthanaram Temple and this time, we invite you to discover the elegance of Wat Ratchaburana, also known as Ratchaburana Temple, along with the fascinating treasures unearthed within its crypt.

Wat Ratchaburana was constructed by King Borommarachathirat II, also known as Chao Sam Phraya, in 1424 AD (B.E. 1967). The temple is infamous for an incident in 1956 AD (B.E. 2499) when a group of thieves secretly excavated the principal prang (pagoda) and stole a substantial quantity of ancient treasures. Subsequently, the Fine Arts Department conducted official excavations and restoration efforts, uncovering a significant number of remaining treasures and gold artifacts. Today, these valuable items are preserved in the Ratchaburana Room at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.

As many may know, King Chao Sam Phraya, the founder of the temple, did not initially expect to ascend the throne, as he was the third son of King Intharacha, the sixth monarch of Ayutthaya. In a remarkable turn of fate, on the day of King Intharacha’s death, his two elder brothers—Chao Ai Phraya, who ruled Suphanburi, and Chao Yi Phraya, who governed Phraek Si Racha (present-day Sankhaburi District)—both marched their armies to Ayutthaya to claim the throne. However, a dispute escalated into a royal duel on elephant back, resulting in the deaths of both princes at Pa Than Bridge, a site that still stands today for visitors to see.

Chao Sam Phraya, the youngest son of the then-ruling Phitsanulok, arrived in Ayutthaya shortly thereafter and was proclaimed the seventh King of Ayutthaya. He was widely respected for his wisdom and capabilities, successfully expanding Ayutthaya’s territory into Lanna and Cambodia during his reign. After ascending the throne as King Borommarachathirat II, he ordered the cremation of both of his elder brothers and constructed Wat Ratchaburana at the cremation site as a memorial to them.

Years later, reports emerged that thieves had secretly excavated the crypt beneath the temple’s main prang, uncovering a substantial cache of gold and gemstones. However, due to heavy rain and the hurried, illegal nature of the operation, they were only able to transport a portion of the treasure. Although the police later recovered some of the stolen items, it is believed that a significant portion remains lost.

Several newspapers at the time published sensational headlines claiming that the stolen gold filled multiple sacks and that each thief had taken approximately 10 kilograms. However, greed led to disputes among them, ultimately revealing the crime, and several of the culprits were arrested.

Those interested in viewing the treasures discovered in the crypt of Wat Ratchaburana can visit the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Highlights include displays of golden artifacts unearthed from the main prang of Wat Ratchaburana in 1957 (B.E. 2500) and from the crypt of Wat Mahathat. The museum also showcases ancient artifacts and artworks from archaeological excavations and restoration projects in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, including Buddha images from the Dvaravati, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya periods. Additionally, it features comparative studies of artifacts found throughout Thailand during various historical eras. The museum complex also includes a cluster of traditional Thai houses and exhibits of everyday tools and folk arts from earlier times.

The museum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM (closed on Mondays). Admission fees are 30 baht for general visitors, while students in uniform can enter for free.