Towering above rice fields in an idyllic rural setting, the 92-meter-tall Luang Por Yai ('Big Buddha Image') symbolizes the Thai people's faith in Buddhism. The giant seated Buddha can be found at the temple of Wat Muang in Ang Thong province, 108 kilometers north of Bangkok.
“Every element of the temple represents the Buddhist Rattanatrai [trinity]; the Lord Buddha, the Dhamma [the Buddhist doctrine of 'Universal Law'], and the Sangha [monastic assembly],” said Wattanachai Yodyiem, a member of Wat Muang's temple committee. “The image represents the Lord Buddha, and it was built so big to demonstrate how much Thai people respect him.”
Khamma (Karma), the result of past deeds good or bad, is a key aspect of Buddhist teaching. As well as accommodating the huge seated Luang Por Yai, the temple grounds are also home to a large number of sculptures, demonstrating life after death, and focusing on the 'heaven' or 'hell', which a person may encounter dependent upon their actions in this life, according to Buddhist beliefs. The statues include examples of 'sinners', who can be seen being tortured or bitten by crows and dogs.
Two sacred, ancient Buddha images – Luang Por Khao ('White Buddha Image') and Luang Por Daeng ('Red Buddha Image') - are enshrined within a shrine hall made of glass. It's a long-held Thai belief that glass is of considerable spiritual value. The ubosot (ordination hall) features large structures resembling giant lotus petals, which symbolize Buddhist enlightenment.
 Artistic flair
As well as featuring Theravada Buddhist details, the temple also includes an area meant to represent 'heaven', featuring sculptures of gods, goddesses and other religious imagery from other belief systems, including 'guardians' from Chinese Taoist philosophy, images relating to animist beliefs, along with figures representing Hindu deities.
There's an image of Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy), surrounded by the 'three star gods' known as Fuk Luk Sau (gods of fortune, longevity, and prosperity), and Guan Yu (the God of War).
Other guardians relating to animism or Hinduism, such as guardians of the city, the farm, and the temple, are grouped separately from the Chinese-inspired images.
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There are also sets of statues of characters from Thai literature, such
as those featured in the epic poem Phra Aphai Mani, written by Sunthorn
Phu, as well as those featured in folk tales, such as the story of Khun
Chang Khun Pan.
The sculptures demonstrate particularly well-known scenes to help
people understand some of the lessons learned by the characters in the
tales.
The ubosot also features statues of respected Thai monks on the same
wall as where the story of the Lord Buddha was depicted 18 years ago.
Wattanachai said all the paintings and sculptures in the temple are
meant to serve as 'reminders' of various stories which teach people
about various virtues. Indeed, one of the temple's main objectives is
to teach people about morality, responsibilities towards oneself and
others, and to exemplify the results of those actions in life after
death. This technique is seldom seen elsewhere in Thailand, expect for
in a handful of temples in the central provinces - particularly in the
provinces of Ang Thong and Suphan Buri.
Transport Connections:
Car: Exit north out of Bangkok on to Highway 32. At the town of Ang
Thong, take the minor road 3195 on your left to Suphan Buri. After
driving for about eight kilometers, you'll pass the temple of Wat Muang
on your left-hand side.
Bus: Regular buses operate daily between Bangkok and Ang Thong from the
Northern Bus Terminal (Kamphaengphet 2 Road). For further information,
please contact Tel: +66 (0)2 936 2852.
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Art & Culture 
Art & Culture
Thailand is home to a rich cultural heritage with distinct spiritual and art lineages. Gain insight into the ways of Thai culture passed down through the centuries in addition to its more modern variations through original Art & Culture articles.
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