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Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat) currently located at 1/1 Moo 4, Tumbon Koeichai, Amphur Chum Saeng, Nakhon Sawan Province. The temple is on the river bank of Yom River and Nan River with total area of 26 Rai, 2 Ngan and 92 Tarangwah. The temple was established in the year B.E. 2390 and was granted Wisugcamsima (Royal Religious Property Status) in the year B.E. 2400 and continued to be that in that status under the administration by monks until today.
It is believed that the temple was originally built during Sukhothai period with minimum estimation timeframe to be around B.E. 1906 - 1912, making this temple to be approximately 656 years old. The estimation on the age of this temple came from the architecture of the Phra Borromdhat Chedi which was built in an inverted bell style (Lanka Style) with octagonal shape base without any pillar. Other indication includes the finding of twin parapet (twin stone pillar boundary markers) in scroll pattern made from slate stone. Originally, this temple was called Wat Phra Borommadhat based on document found by Northern Buddhism Ministry administration body in B.E. 2457 during a visit from Krom Phraya Wachirayanwaroros, Siam’s Supreme Patriarch at that time. It was written as follow; “At almost 9 in the morning, the possession departed from the embarkation point in front of Wat Chum Saeng. Travelling downstream along with local participants in approximately 10 vessels, turning into Yom River from Nan River, at approximately 1 Sen (20 Wah) from the turn, arriving at Wat Phra Borommadhat. His holiness, The Patriarch then proceeded into the temple ground and described the twin parapet (twin stone pillar boundary markers) in scroll pattern made from slate stone, a rounded pagoda around 3 Wah in height with octagonal shape base without any pillar which indicate that the pagoda contains a holy relic. His Holiness also aware of the temple annual festivals, grant gifts to monks and local followers then retired to the possession”
In the year B.E. 2460, Wat Phra Borommadhat changed the name to Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat) based on governmental order until today. As evidenced in the historic recording from a visit by His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch, many important religious relics and is highly revered by the populations making the temple one of the holiest ground in the region. As for temple renovation and repair records, there is no official documentation found, only by the accounts passed on down from successive generations. The up-keep of Phra Borromtaat Chedi is in sync with the repair of Wat Bhodiphratapchang in Phichit province during the reign of Somdet Phra Sanphet VIII or Phra Chao Sua (Dua), 29th king of Ayutthaya between the year B.E. 2246 - 2251. Based on Ayutthaya Royal Historic Document, Phra Chao Sua was born at Bahn Bhodiphratapchang in Phichit during His Majesty’s father, Phra Phetraja’s and His Majesty’s
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mother in following of King Narai The Great of Siam to worship the revered Phra Buddha Chinnaraht. When Phra Chao Sua ascended the throne in B.E. 2246, he ordered the building of a temple at the location he recollected his mother’s story about his birth place. It took a little over 2 years to complete the construction.
Historically, Ban Koeichai was mentioned again during King Taksin while he was putting down rebel’s Army in Phitsanulok. During one of the battle, he was injured in the leg and his army was forced to retreat.
Based on previously mentioned evidences, it is certain that this temple has existed ever since Sukhothai and Ayutthaya period all the way to the recount of this temple by the Supreme Patriarch during his visit. Moreover, Koeichai had an Amphor status during the reign of King Rama VI after Amphur Panlan was downgraded to Tambon. All of this was recorded in the Royal Periodical, Issue 20, Page 498 dated 25 October B.E. 2446 (Rattanakosin Era 122) during which, Lord Luang Phadungdansawan was the town’s sheriff. The information was indicative that Koeichai was a large and prosperous Amphur until a change was made and Amphur status was move to Chum Saeng and Koeichai status was downgraded to Tambon until today.
Based on a recount of former Lord Abbot of Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat), the Venerable Phrakru Nithandhammapranath stated that in B.E. 2513, The Venerable Luangpor Thongyoo (Phrakru Niraphaivithet) lead followers in renovating the Phra Borommadhat Chedi. In that rebuilding effort, discovered at the peak of the pagoda were 5 upside downed stone-set bowls and found within them was a relic in red crystal measured 1 inch long and 2 centimeters across, consistent with relics of Lord Buddha’s disciples.
The former lord abbot also recounted about a time in B.E. 2533, during the monastic boundary and the inauguration ceremony for the temple’s new chapel, there was a phenomenon occurred at the pier in front of Phra Borommadhat Chedi when water in the river was boiling for 2-3 days. This caused amazement for local population who came to see and the event was indicative of Phra Borommadhat Chedi miracle for all to witness. Since then, the worship has been continuously celebrated every year in two times. The first event consists of the gilding, the robbing of Phra Borommadhat Chedi and Palm festival. The festivity is done with the cooperation of Tumbon Koeichai Subdistrict Administrative Organization on the 14th-15th Lunar Month, the 5th Month of each year. The second event is the gilding of Phra Borommadhat Chedi and the traditional boat race with the cooperation of Tumbon Koeichai Administrative Organization on the 1st-2nd Lunar Month, the 11th Month of each year. As far as historic research to the earliest possible timeframe, the Lord Abbots are listed as follow;
1. The Venerable Phra Ajarn Pan (B.E. 2400-2430) 2. The Venerable Phra Samuson (B.E. 2430-2466) 3. The Venerable Phrakru Niraphaivithet (Luangpor Thongyoo, B.E. 2466-2524) 4. The Venerable Phrakru Nithandhammapranath (Thiang Phahatatoh , B.E. 2524-2546) 5. The Venerable Phrakru Nithanpunyaphiwaht, Monk Dean, Chum Saeng Amphur (B.E. 2546 – present)
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1. Wat Koeichaineua(Borommadhat)历史
Wat Koeichaineua(Borommadhat)现位于 Nakhon Sawan府的 Amphur Chum
Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat) currently located at 1/1 Moo 4, Tumbon Koeichai, Amphur Chum Saeng, Nakhon Sawan Province. The temple is on the river bank of Yom River and Nan River with total area of 26 Rai, 2 Ngan and 92 Tarangwah. The temple was established in the year B.E. 2390 and was granted Wisugcamsima (Royal Religious Property Status) in the year B.E. 2400 and continued to be that in that status under the administration by monks until today.
It is believed that the temple was originally built during Sukhothai period with minimum estimation timeframe to be around B.E. 1906 - 1912, making this temple to be approximately 656 years old. The estimation on the age of this temple came from the architecture of the Phra Borromdhat Chedi which was built in an inverted bell style (Lanka Style) with octagonal shape base without any pillar. Other indication includes the finding of twin parapet (twin stone pillar boundary markers) in scroll pattern made from slate stone. Originally, this temple was called Wat Phra Borommadhat based on document found by Northern Buddhism Ministry administration body in B.E. 2457 during a visit from Krom Phraya Wachirayanwaroros, Siam’s Supreme Patriarch at that time.
In the year B.E. 2460, Wat Phra Borommadhat changed the name to Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat) based on governmental order until today. As evidenced in the historic recording from a visit by His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch, many important religious relics and is highly revered by the populations making the temple one of the holiest ground in the region. As for temple renovation and repair records, there is no official documentation found, only by the accounts passed on down from successive generations. The up-keep of Phra Borromdhat Chedi is in sync with the repair of Wat Bhodiphratapchang in Phichit province during the reign of Somdet Phra Sanphet VIII or Phra Chao Sua (Dua), 29th king of Ayutthaya between the year B.E. 2246 - 2251.
As far as historic research to the earliest possible timeframe, the Lord Abbots are listed as follow; 1. The Venerable Phra Ajarn Pan (B.E. 2400 – 2430) 2. The Venerable Phra Samuson (B.E. 2430 – 2466) 3. The Venerable Phrakru Niraphaivithet (Luangpor Thongyoo, B.E. 2466 – 2524) 4. The Venerable Phrakru Nithandhammapranath (Thiang Phahatatoh, B.E. 2524 – 2546) 5. The Venerable Phrakru Nithanpunyaphiwaht, Monk Dean, Chum Saeng Amphur (B.E. 2546 – present)
Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat) is continued to grow. This mission is inspiration to all the abbots, especially the Venerable Phrakru Nithanpunyaphiwaht, Monk Dean, Amphur Chum Saeng, who is commitment to sustainable developing to this temple.
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1.(S)WatKoeichaineua(Borommadhat)历史
Wat Koeichaineua(Borommadhat)目前位于 Nakhon Sawan府的 Amphur Chum
2. Tumbol Koei Chai Community Cultural Centre Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat) Tumbol Koeichai, Amphur Chum Saeng, Nakhon Sawan Province.
The Tumbol Koei Chai Community Cultural Centre was established on 23 October 2014. Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat) together among the Tumbol Ban Koei chai folks, Tumbol Tha Mai and the Tumbol nearby Amphur Chum Saeng received the honor from Major General Phichet Sukpongpisit, the 31th county commissioner army of the Chiraprawat
Camp to open the grand ceremony of Tumbol Koei Chai Community Cultural Centre. The centre belongs to the Pandin-Dham Pandin-Thong project of the 31th county commissioner army of the Chiraprawat Camp which is the sub project of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) that assigned to Tumbol Koei Chai (Koei Chai sub district) to do the operation together among the community-temples-schools. Later, Tumbol Koei Chai won the 1st prize at the province level and this award had to complete with 15 districts of Nakon Sawan province. By Wat Koei Chai Nea (Borommadhat) became the centre among the heart and soul of the people and also the centre of teamwork which aimed at creating harmony and reconciliation for the nation. This principle was created from Twelve Values Announced to deploy in daily life which by followed the rules No.5 Maintain good Thai customs and traditions and No.6 Be ethical, honest, well-intentioned, and generous and also follow the five precepts of Buddhism. These are the foundation of living together happily. Currently the organization hierarchy of Tumbol Koei Chai community cultural centre in order, the Venerable Phrakru Nithanpunyaphiwaht (the Monk Dean of Amphur Chum Saeng and the Abbot of Wat Koei Chai Nea, Borommadhat) as the director, Phrakru Sripattaraniroth (the Monk Dean of Tumbol Barng Kean and the prior of Wat Koei Chai Nea, Borommadhat) as the deputy director, and Pra Arjan Narin Narasapho (the secretary of the Monk Dean of Amphur Chum Saeng) as the secretary. The organization also has a committee of experts from all sectors, which has more than 50 people on the board. The team recognizes the importance of developing human resources that people must start by the development of the mind and intellect at the same time. There for, the project was established on “The Development of Tumbol Koei Chai Community Cultural Centre as the Sustainable Resources for the Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 5th Cycle (60th) Birthday Anniversary” within the budget year 2015.
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On the 16 of September 2015, the grand opening “The holy Buddha’s relic - Culture sequel – Wisdom life style - Venerable Phrakru Niraphaivithet static eternity” of which the main sponsor is Department of Cultural Promotion that support the budget of amount of 200,000 bath in total to operate the project. On the grand open the ceremony, Miss Nantiya Sawangwuttitham, the former of Department Cultural Promotion assigned the Provincial culture as the subject to open the grand ceremony together with three of the commissioners of the Department of Cultural Promotion. However, the objective to establish the centre is developing the citizens in the field of cognitive development that has gained from this learning centre and for those who are interested in future studies. The highlights of Tumbol Koei Chai Cultural Center comprise the following 8 landmarks which are:
1. Phra Borommadhat Chedi (Luang Phor Phra Borommadhat) 2. The Venerable Phrakru Niraphaivithet Vihara (Luangpor Thongyoo) 3. Phra Buddha Srisanpetch Vihara (Luangphor Roongchai) The Old Chapel 4. Arsom Sil Hall, The Local Art Exhibition of Tumbol Koeichai 5. The Ton Nham Museum 6. The Rural Museum (Old Museum) 7. The Crocodile’s Legend (Daang Koei Chai) 8. The Only One in Siam “The confluence of Yom and Nan Rivers”
There also has culture and tradition that worth preserving and heritage to future generations as well as convey and remain forever are:
1. The Bobbing of Phra Borommadhat Chedi 2. The Palmyra Festival 3. The Boat Racing Festival 4. Loy Krathong Festival 5. The Annual Gild Month 11th Festival 6. The Preaching Mahachat (Vessantara allegory) in Sart Thailand. 7. The Offering Slakapat on the eve of World Vesakha Bucha Day. 8. The Light Waving Rite (Luang Por Phra Borommadhat Chedi) on Makha Bucha Day, Visakha
Bucha Day, Asarnha Bucha Day, and Ustame Bucha Day. 9. The Devo Road Becket on End of The Buddhist Lent Day (Robes Offering Ceremony) 10. The Cross Year Prayer, “The New Year – New Thai Style of Buddhism”
With a commitment and a continue developing intensity to follow the vision and mission to become sustainable of Tumbol Koei Chai Community Cultural Centre, there for in annual budget 2016 the centre has been selected in the category of “the cultural resources of the community project” and announced by Khun Pimrawee Watanawarangkulra, the Director General of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture. That support the budget of amount of 110,000 bath in total to operate the project.
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2. Tumbol Koei Chai 社区文化中心
Wat Koeichaineua(Borommadhat),Koeichai区,Chum Saeng区,Nakhon
3. The Venerable Phrakru Niraphaivithet Vihara (Luangpor Thongyoo)
His holiness Phrakru Niraphaivithet (Yoo Phanyawatthano) was born on Friday, June of the Year of The Horse, B.E. 2437 in Ban Koeichai, his father’s name was Soom and mother’s name was Jahn. When he was young, he followed his parents to Ban Nong Khaon. After turning 20 years old, he was ordained as a monk at the consecrated precinct of Nong Khaon temple and went on to stay at Banbueng Temple, Tambon Nong Krod, Amphur Banphotpisai for the duration of the Buddhist Lent. Once he completed his stay, lay preacher from Nong Thao Tai Temple invited the young monk to be a head to build a preaching hall. He studied and practiced the Buddhist scripture along with the study in religious science, incantation from Phra Ajarn Palad Nim and the traditional medicine from Phrakru Cham.
After the completion of the studies, his holiness began teaching Buddhism scriptures to theologians and monks at Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat) until the temple became famous in Buddha’s teaching. A sample of such is the allegory of the Vessantara Jataka (The Great Birth Sermon) which was taught to monks and followers alike. Aside from his teaching to the general public, followers and monks, his holiness repaired and rebuilt many
disrepaired temples and monasteries. His holiness was considered by many to be an expert in this type of restoration.
In the year B.E. 2466, His holiness was appointed Abbot at Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat). His holiness continued the development and the teaching at the temple until he was again appointed to the position of primate and charge with the responsibility of all Buddhist monks in the community. When His holiness turned 29 years old, his holiness was bestowed the title of royal preceptor in the year B.E. 2486 which was the first ever preceptor in Chumsaeng area at that time.
Luangpor Thongyoo since then had built many priest’s living quarters, monasteries and schools such as Chumchon Wat Koeichaineua School, Ban Bueng Man School, Wat Thaklang School, Wat Koeichaitai Preaching Hall, Wat Nong Khaon Preaching Hall, and Wat Wungkrasoob Preaching Hall in Amphur Buengnarang, Phichit Province. His holiness had accumulated so much benevolence and graciousness that he was royally commissioned provost with royal name of Phrakru Niraphaivithet and was promoted to The Venerable Second Class. His holiness Phrakru Niraphaivithet died on 19 October of the B.E. 2524 at the age of 87 years old, 67 phansas.
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3. Niraphaivithet 教务长(Luangpor Thongyoo)
Niraphaivithet教务长(Luangpor Thongyoo)出生于星期五,6月,佛历
2437年,在 Ban koei Chai,父亲 Soom,母亲名叫 Jahn,当他 20岁时,许多
Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat) was originally located at the main highway curve before the temple’s current location. Tumbon Koeichai is near where Nan River and Yom River meet and the width of the rivers long ago were twice today’s in size. At the confluence of the two rivers, it was deep, there were a lot of crocodiles and the location sometime was called the Crocodile Palace (Waung Jorakhe). When locals used the rivers, they had to place wooden stakes around the area in order to prevent crocodile attack and many crocodiles were often seen sunbathing at the river’s edge. In the area, one crocodile in particular was very ferocious and the locals named it Daang Koei Chai. Daang Koei Chai was ferocious due to it being a hybrid between salt and fresh water crocodile. On many occasions, Daang Koei Chai attacked passer-bys and especially the fishermen. The exact reasons why locals called the crocodile Daang Koei Chai is not known but one can assumed that it was given such a name because of its appearance with its natural coloration of an crocodile and unique white spots (Daang) on its head. Folklore passed down from generations to generations said that the crocodile was very big. The length from mouth to jaws around 2 meters, the height of head around 3 meters, and the length of the body was said to have been the length of the river. Daang Koei Chai was sometimes called Guardian Spirit Jui personal watercraft. Guardian Spirit Jui was a highly respected deity by the locals and the guardian spirit’s pavilion was located at the rivers confluence. It was said that Guardian Spirit Jui’s favorite items are cigarettes and mime plays so those two things were offered to the deity if a person wishes were granted by the Guardian Spirit Jui.
Daang Koei Chai lived a very long life and killed many people. But the end of its reign was near when drunken sailors sailed up in a deep keeled vessel, as Chinese called it Hainan Boat, to challenge this nuisance crocodile. Daang Koei Chai attacked and rocked the boat violently until the boat almost capsized. However, during this battle, the sailors found many opportunities and stabbed its soft belly with tridents many times until it finally beached itself on the river’s bank. Exhausted and injured, Daang Koei Chai was fatally shot and killed on the river’s bank. Shortly after, locals cut open his belly and found many items in its stomach such as rings, bracelet and necklace.
5. The Only One in Siam “The confluence of Yom and Nan Rivers”
Nan River: Originated in Luang Prabang Mountain Range in the West of Amphur Pua, Nan Province. It flows north then south through Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phichit and joined Yom River in front of Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat). It continues its flow south and meets Ping and Wang Rivers at Tumbon Kwaiyai, Amphur Muang, Nakhon Sawan Province which Chao Phraya River originated from. Nan River is 740 kilometers long and use in for irrigation at two locations, one is at Queen Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit Province and the other is at Naresuan Dam in Phitsanulok Province.
Yom River: Originated from the 2nd Khun Yuom Mountain, located south of Dan Lao Mountain Range in Amphur Pong, Phayao Province. It flows south westerly through Amphur Song and Amphur Wang Chin in Phrae Province, Sukhothai Province, Phitsanulok Province and Phichit Province. Yom River finally meets Nan River at Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat). It is 550 kilometers long.
Both rivers have differences in its characteristic, namely in the colors. Nan River has red muddy coloration due to the flow through certain geographical features which mainly made up of muddy land. In other hand, Yom River has green and clear coloration from its flow through sand and stone areas. Both rivers are considered life line and main artery for the people who live alongside the two rivers.
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5. The Only One in Siam “The confluence of Yom and Nan Rivers”
南河:起源于南省 Amphur Pua西部的琅勃拉邦山脉。 它向北流经南部,通
过 Uttaradit,Phitsanulok,Phichit,并在 Wat Koeichaineua
This holy pagoda was built using “Inverted Bell of Lanka” style. It is octagonal, has no pillar and stands at 14 meters high. Its architecture was heavily influenced from Sukhothai period during Phra Mahadhammaraja I (1st) (Lithai) reign approximately from B.E. year 1906 to 1912, some 656 years ago. It is assumed that the Chedi has gone through many repairs and renovations. The notable major renovation was completed during Somdet Phra Sanphet VIII or Phra Chao Sua (Dua), 29th king of Ayutthaya between B.E. 2246 – 2251.
Phra Borommadhat Chedi contains Holy Prophet Angulimala relics, contain in red crystal about 1 inch long. Each year, there are two times to celebrate Phra Borommadhat Chedi. The first event consists of the gilding, the robbing of Phra Borommadhat Chedi and Palm festival. The festivity is done with the cooperation of Tumbon Koeichai Administrative Organization on the 14th-15th Lunar Month, the 5th Month of each year. The second event is the gilding of Phra Borommadhat Chedi and the traditional boat race with the cooperation of Tumbon Koeichai Administrative Organization on the 1st-2nd Lunar Month, the 11th Month of each year.
The Venerable Phrakru Nithandhammapranath, the former abbot the 4th, recounted that in B.E. 2533, during the monastic boundary and
the inauguration ceremony for the temple’s new chapel, there was a phenomenon occurred at the pier in front of Phra Borommadhat Chedi when water in the river by the pier was boiling for 2-3 days. This caused amazement for local population who came to see and the event was indicative of Phra Borommadhat Chedi miracle for all to witness.
7. Phra Buddha Srisanpetch Vihara (Luangphor Roongchai) The Old Chapel
It is estimated that Phra Buddha Srisanpetch Vihara was built at the same time as Phra Borommadhat Chedi or Luang Phor Phra Borommadhat based on the similarity of architecture of both structures. The old chapel was renovated and repaired on many occasions with the last one being in the year B.E. 2555 when the Venerable Phrakru Nithanpunyaphiwath, the current monk dean for Amphur Chum Saeng and the abbot for Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat), designed and built the structures with laterites around the old chapel for the purpose praying, meditation, candle passage and other religious ceremonies in case of the rain.
The old chapel was originally used for the temple main holy activities but when the new chapel was built in the year B.E. 2533, the holy retirement ceremony was completed for this chapel and the structure was downgraded from being chapel to its current status, vihara (holy hall). The chapel was then renamed after the Venerable Phrakru Nithanpunyaphiwath, abbot after his premonition during his meditations.
Inside the vihara, there are 8 main Buddha images. Of that, 7 of the images were built in Sukhothai period with some renovation completed by local artisan. It is estimated that the 8th Buddha image, Phra Buddha Srisanpetch (Luangphor Roongchai), was built in late Ayutthaya period during the reign of Somdet Phra Sanphet VIII or Phra Chao Sua (Dua), 29th king of Ayutthaya between B.E. 2246 – 2251 in order to replace older images that was lost. Aside from the 8 images that are in the vihara, 8 more Buddha images in all Day of Birth posture were built for worshipers. There are also displays of fine china which worshipers had offered to the temple as well as the display of stucco architectures which include fine art, traditional art and flowers in fine Thai pattern. The architectures of the temple were similar to that of Wat Bhodiphratapchang in Phichit Province as both temples were renovated approximately at the same time for more than 300 years.
8. Arsom Silp Hall, The Local Art Exhibition of Tumbon Koeichai
Built in the year B.E. 2552, It is located within Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat). The hall was built with the budget from Roong Aroon School in Bangkhuntian District, Bangkok in the amount of one hundred thousand Baht (100,000). It was done so in order to promote local community products which related to tools associated with the growing and development of palmyra in Tumbon Koeichai. There are also other researches and
development facilities (belonging to sub-district training organization) intended for the benefit of local population in Tumbon Koeichai. Other than having the facilities for local palmyra industries, it is also being used for the exhibition of the local fishing equipment and the lifestyle of the villagers along the Yom and Nan Rivers.
The name of the building, Arsom Silp derived from Arsom Silp Institute. The name is in-line with the sponsor’s vision, Roong Aroon School which is implementing its vision for new learning concept for Buddhist and Thai society. This concept actively uses theory and active learning through communities.
9. The Ton Nham Museum Wat Koeichaineua (Borommadhat) requested for and received funding for the building of
museum from Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in the year B.E. 2543 in the amount of nine million and six hundred thousand Baht (9,600,000). The funding was used to build the Ton Nham Museum and renovation of Rural Museum (Old Museum). Aside from the museum itself, the building and the renovation included public bathroom, parking areas and landscape improvement. These to develop the museum become the historical site and a major tourist attraction of the country. The administration body for the museum is TAT for efficiency and in response to the intention of local population.
The Ton Nham Museum was built in Thai Style with measurement of 12 meters in length, 23 meters long and 3 meters high. The building is roofed with glossy red baked-clay tiles. The poles and walls of the entire building are beautifully covered with palmyra wood, befitting the housing of local ancient artifacts and art pieces that were given by the population for the preservation and for later generations to see. The Ton Nham Museum was opened to the public by the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Adisai Potharamik on Wednesday, 4th of September B.E. 2545.
A single story structure built entirely from palmyra wood in Thai Style with gable roofing. The museum was originally built in the year B.E. 2540 and has no official name when it was completed by the Venerable Phrakru Nithandhammapranath, the former abbot the 4th, Monk Dean of Tumbon Koeichai, with the assistance of the staffs and teachers of Chum Chon Wat Koeichaineua School, community leaders and the people of Tumbon Koeichai. When it was built, the museum was very appropriate given the location and long history of the area such as Phra Borommadhat Chedi, Daang Koeichai Legend and The Venerable Luangpor Thongyoo (Phrakru Niraphaivithet), the former abbot the 3rd, of whom was highly respected by the community.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) later determined and realized the importance of this museum and declared it significant historical site in Thailand. TAT then coordinated and initiated a project to build, improve and renovate the museum through cooperation with the Honorable Sunai Jullaphongsathorn, Member of the Assembly of Nakhon Sawan Province and the Deputy Prime Minister, the Honorable Phaweena Hongsakul (TAT CEO) to fund the project and in B.E. 2543 the project began for the renovation of the old museum (Rural Museum) and built a new museum (Ton Nham Museum) at the same time.
The Rural Museum displays various antique items such as submerged artifacts that were found in the river, antique artifacts that were dug up and donated to the temple for safe keeping and exhibition.
11. Museum of the giant king crocodile "Phaya Daang Koei Chai"
The museum of the giant king crocodile "Phaya Daang Koei Chai", Phrakru Nithanpunyaphiwaht (Somboon Ajitapunyo) Abbot of Wat Koei Chai Nuea (Borommadhat), Monk Dean, Chum Saeng Amphur and Wat Koei Chai Nuea (Borommadhat)’s board, the villagers of Koei Chai Tampon, Tambon Tha Mai and neighboring sub-districts of Chum Saeng District, helped build the unique attraction of Baan Koei Chai which has flourished from past to present. The museum is built with 2 layers of reinforced concrete with the width of 17.60 meters and the length of 40.50 meters. The first floor of the building is the exhibition building with 5 zones, consisting of: (1) nationality (2) religion (3) monarch -The exhibition has the kings royal duties, including a statue. (4) The history of the giant king crocodile "Phaya Daang Koei Chai" as well as information about the ethnicity of the Crocodile (Both exhibitions and multimedia technologies are available). (5) There is a large conference room. The museum building is also unanimously selected by the government officials. The people of Chum Saeng district. Nakhon Sawan Province made it into a place to put flower ashes in front of the statue of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great of Chum Saeng District, so Thai people have the opportunity to offer loyalty and worship the image of the reign of the 9th.
On the second floor is a statue of a giant king crocodile "Phaya Daang Koei Chai" which designed and crafted by local craftsmen, Mr. Prathang Sangsawet and his team. The statue has a body size of 7.60 meters in width, 44 meters in length and 6.30 meters in height. It is currently the largest crocodile statue in Thailand and probably the largest in the world. Inside the body of the statue of the giant king crocodile, "Phaya Daang Koei Chai", is a place for worship, for meditation and the showcases for stuffed crocodiles. This purpose is for education to the young generation, and for the general public to use as the resource of study.
The monks of Wat Koei Chai Nuea (Borommadhat) teamed up with the temple committee to hold the ceremony of laying stones on Thursday June 23rd 2016. The piling began on Monday June 27th 2016. Construction began officially on Saturday August 13th 2016. Now, the museum construction is almost finished. The cost of construction was more than 14 million baht. It is expected to open in 2018 and the official opening ceremony will be held in 2020.
The story tale of Koei Chai Is a local tale Description of the name of Koei Chai Village, Koei Chai District, Nakhon Sawan Province (Vichien Achinoboonyawat, reprinted in Central Thai Encyclopedia Volume 7, pages 3298-3299)
Idiom 1 In ancient times, this village was part of the royal palace. The ruler had a beautiful
daughter, and many princes throughout the city fell in love with her. One day, there was a khan maak boat procession of the prince of Chagangrao and the Prince of Lawo. Who, both, had asked to marry the royal daughter at the same time. The owner of the city of Sarasin, who could not decide who to give his daughter to, announced they start their processions at the same time starting at Pak Nam Plo and used the area where the Yom River flows to converge with the Nan River as the finish line. Whoever comes first is the winner and gets to marry his daughter. The boat race was a close competition. But the ship of Prince Chagangrao crashed at Wang Yang just before the finish line. The Prince of Lawo’s ship was delighted all the way until the boat reached the beach before reaching the area where the Yom River and the Nan River converge. The villagers called the area where the Prince of Lawo’s ship rested, "Baan Koei Sai", but then later called "Baan Koei Chai".
Idiom 2 The name of the crocodile in Koei Chai, Chum Saeng, Nakhon Sawan. It is said that before,
Koei Chai had a very deep headwaters. There was a crocodile den called Wang ai kae (Crocodile den). Villagers used to take a bath in the river, and would have to make a fence to protect themselves from the crocodiles. One of the best known crocodiles went on rampages on a regular basis. It’s head had many white spots and was very large, measuring its length from mouth to jaw was about 1 yard, its head 5-6 feet above the ground. The length of its body was approximately the width of the river. The Shrine of the Lord is located at the Palace of sediment. It is very respectful to the Koei Chai villagers. The crocodile lives a long life and was very ferocious, hurting many people. After a short while, there was a drunk boatman on a row boat. The Chinese called the him the Haianese who brought rice to challenge the crocodile. The crocodile came out from the demand and pushed the boat until it flipped over. When the boatman had the opportunity, he used a three-pronged naval to pierce the stomach until there were many wounds. It couldn’t cope and rested its head on the beach in front of the sediment and was shot dead. The boatman cut open its stomach and found a lot of precious things and took the crocodile’s head back to the shrine. That is why they call it “Koei Chai”, because of the crocodile’s name, “Dang Koei Chai”.
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Idiom 3 There was a man named Wichien. He fell in love with the daughter of a deacon. The
deacon deems that Wichien is just a temple boy, so he does not let Wichien have his daughter. So they ran together. When they arrived at the Koei chai shore, they did not know how to cross the river because the river is very wide. He had to cast a spell in the water and let his wife hold it, then told the wife to pour the water in the bowl over crocodile. It will become a person. He was afraid that his wife would pour the water over the wrong crocodile. He told his wife to tie a white strap as a sign. The husband transformed into a giant crocodile so his wife can walk across the river. She was afraid to walk across and drop the bowl. The husband could not turn back into human. The reason why people call it Dang Koei Chai is because people see a white spotted head, but of course, it is the white strap tied around the husband’s neck. With anger, the Dang Koei Chai crocodile went on a rampage and liked to hurt only ladies. Now, the Koei Chai Goddess has the crocodile skull.
3. อาจารยพงษทอง เฮครอฟท อาจารยประจ าสาขาวชาการทองเทยวและการโรงแรม คณะวทยาการจดการ มหาวทยาลยราชภฏนครสวรรค - B.B.A. (Hotel Management) Shciller International University, London, United Kingdom. - MSc. (International Hotel Management) University of Surrey, England, United Kingdom.
5. อาจารยอรรถกร พวงจ าป ลามภาษาจน ประจ าศนยการคาเซนทรลเวลด กรงเทพมหานคร - Bachelor Degrees (Chinese Language and Literature) Guangxi University of Foreign Language. - Certificate (Educational Cooperation Program) Maejo University. - Certificate (School of Continuing Education) National Taiwan Normal University.
6. Mr.Mingliang Luo General Manager of investment group Chengdu SiChuan China - B.S.B.A (Business Adminisstration) Chengdu SiChuan university, China - M.Ec. (Economic sustainable development) SiChuan agricultural university Chengdu, China
7. Mr.Bo Li Chinese teacher Tanasri school - B.B.A. (Regional Economic Development and Planning) SiChuan agriculture university Ya'An, China - M.Ec. (Economic sustainable development) SiChuan agricultural university Chengdu, China 、