Wat Tum

Wat Tum is located off the city island in the northeastern area of Ayutthaya, in the Wat Tum Sub-district. The monastery is situated on the south bank of Khlong Wat Tum, a canal which had its mouth at the old Lopburi River and can be reached via Road No 309, linking Ayutthaya with Ang Thong. The temple is still in use by the Buddhist clergy and covers an area of approximately 15 rai.

Wat Tum was located in an oxbow of the old Lopburi River, the same as Wat Chumphon and Wat Chang Yai. A shortcut was dug in the Ayutthaya era - a source suggested King Borommakot (reign 1733-1758 CE) - through this loop and was named Khlong Bang Khuat. The present Khlong Tum was thus a part of the old Lopburi River.

Wat Tum lies south of Wat Chumphon, Wat Chang Yai, and Wat Chang Noi, three temples related to warfare. In its vicinities, war elephants were trained, and troops were gathered before going into battle. Some sources state that King Naresuan held the ceremony of 'Drinking of the Water of Allegiance' at this temple, a significant ancient rite.

Ayutthaya Historical Research