Wat Worachet

Wat Worachet is often confused with a monastery sharing a similar name that is located directly on the city island. Wat Worachet can still be classified as a restored ruin; however, an active sermon hall, monks' quarters, and a shrine to King Naresuan were constructed in 2009. Most of this modern half is located away from the ruin and separated by trees and a small creek. The ancient monastery has many impressive structures, which the Fine Arts Department has restored. The primary structure is a large Khmer-style prang. The reappearance of the Khmer-style prang is often accredited to King Prasat Thong, who was sparked by the end of a Buddhist millennial year. Royal Chronicles mentions Wat Worachet as early as 1663-1564 CE. The army of the Phraya of Bassein erected a stockade in the vicinity during an invasion by Burmese troops. Wat Worachet is also a likely site of the infamous Picnic Incident in which two Dutch traders were nearly executed. Some scholars also believe that King Naresuan's ashes were interned at this temple after an elaborate ceremony involving monks of the forest sect.

Ayutthaya Historical Research