Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan

"The Golden Buddha, officially known as Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon, is an extraordinary seated Buddha statue in the Maravijaya posture, located at Wat Traimit in Bangkok. Weighing 5.5 tonnes, this statue is made of solid gold and is one of Thailand's most valuable cultural treasures. It was originally hidden under layers of stucco and colored glass, likely to protect it from looters during turbulent historical periods. This outer layer concealed the statue’s true worth for almost two centuries, until 1955, when an accidental chip during relocation revealed the gold beneath. The statue is crafted in the style of the Sukhothai period, identifiable by the egg-shaped head characteristic of that era, dating back to the 13th–14th centuries. Some scholars speculate that this statue may even be referenced in the Ram Khamhaeng stele, which describes a gold Buddha in Sukhothai. It is thought that the Golden Buddha was later moved to Ayutthaya and eventually made its way to Bangkok following the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767. The statue remained hidden under its stucco shell until its relocation to Wat Traimit in 1935. Originally placed under a tin roof due to the temple’s modest facilities, it stayed unnoticed until 1955, when a mishap during relocation chipped the plaster, revealing its golden form. This discovery occurred close to the 25th Buddhist Era, an auspicious time that led many Buddhists to view the event as a miracle. The Golden Buddha is housed in a dedicated building inaugurated in 2010, which also hosts the Bangkok Chinatown Heritage Centre and an exhibit about the statue's fascinating history. The Buddha statue is over three meters tall and made of various grades of gold, with the hair and topknot crafted from nearly pure gold. The statue can be disassembled into nine parts, with a hidden key found in the plaster, likely used for secure transportation. In appearance, the Golden Buddha follows the Sukhothai style, featuring the Bhumisparsha Mudra, symbolizing Buddha's enlightenment. Its elongated earlobes, aquiline nose, and "V"-shaped hairline are traditional features that emphasize the refined spiritual aesthetics of the era. Estimated to hold an immense gold value, the Golden Buddha is not only a representation of religious devotion but also a testament to the rich heritage and artistic mastery of Thailand."

"Wat Traimit, also known as "The Temple of the Golden Buddha", is a Royal temple located in the Chinatown area of Bangkok. It is famous for being home to the world's largest solid gold Buddha image. The image is more than three meters tall, weighs about five and a half tons and is most likely some 700 to 800 years old. This is a good place to kick off your visit to Chinatown."

"Upon entering, you can take your time to admire the breathtaking statue, and you may also find local monks offering blessings to visitors. The temple also features a small museum that provides insights into the history of the statue and Buddhism in Thailand."