Attraction Details :
Wat Ton Laeng is
located in Moo 2 in the district of Thai Wattana. According to the
Institute of Social Research Chiang Mai University, the Thai-Leu book of
architectures explains that this temple is an ancient construction,
perhaps built during the early settlement of the Thai-Leu from Sip Song
Panna. There are several traits, which prove the claim. The temples’
structure was at risk due to water erosion, later it was relocated from
the west side of the village to a forest area in Naad village, Chai
Wattana district in the county of Pua for 3 years. When the water
situation in the original locale resumed to normal, Wat Ton Laeng was
rebuilt. In 1962, Phrakru Yantada, Khun Satarn Suttarak, former village
chief, and Buddhist followers in the village conjoined in the
restoration of the temple. The community had hire craftsmen to build a
large Buddha image with measurements of 108 inches in width and 156
inches in height. Later on, a craftsman named Mon was appointed to put
together a glass pedestal. The construction took 2 years to finish. In
1928, there was a religious celebration for the finished figure, and
later, on the 9th of March 1931 the Wisungamsima1 and Pook Pattasima2
deeds were held.In 1950, Pra Swad Su-putto who was head of the temple had explained to villagers that it was necessary for clay bricks to be installed, replacing the original wooden walls. For unknown reasons, 3 years later, the replacements weren’t completed. In 1952, Pra Swad Su-putto decided to end his monkhood, giving the opportunity for Pra Attikarn-suay Waypullo who was the temples’ abbot at the time, to finish restoring the walls and building a new pagoda. During this same year, 2 monk shelters were pulled down and replaced with 2 newer one, which finished their construction in 1956. In the mean time, villagers nearby also contributed in the renovation of the temples’ roof, which was made from wood. Wong Kuantana was the leader in the repairs and also in creating Cho-Fah and Bai-Raga (Buddhist ornaments). On its completion, there was a religious ceremony held in celebration, the 3rd of January 1957.
In terms of the architectural design, Wat Ton Laeng has employed a rectangular floor plan with a slightly elevated floor. This is for the reason that Wat Ton Laeng is located in the lowlands and is at high risk for floods when there is strong rain or flash floods from the forest. The pagoda’s floor, despite being elevated, it is skillfully designed and constructed by local craftsmen, having a beautiful recess base. Through time and the lack of maintenance, the structure has dilapidated. Speaking of the pagoda’s roof, it is designed to have 3 layers, which is a style significant to the Thai-Leu. Not only does the roof’s design fit well with the rest of the pagoda, but it also has natural benefits. Because Wat Ton Laeng is located to the Northern part of Thailand, the climate is quite cool with high humidity. The roof is designed to allow airflow and diminish the amount of humidity.
Another significant aspect of decoration is the usage of local Thai-Leu handicrafts such as nha bun (gable), chai nam, hanghong, lord bua (floral ornaments). From a city dwellers’ perspective, these simple ornaments may not be appealing, but they in fact convey the message that Thai-Leu people base their thoughts on reality and honesty. The beauty of these adornments is in the trueness of being a Thai-Leu art.
Traveling to Wat Ton Laeng is quite simple. It is located in Pua city center. From the province’s main district, Muang, travel along highway no. 1080, whilst arriving at Pua keep an eye out for Kasikorn Bank (also known as Thai Farmers Bank or KBank) Pua Branch. Take the left turn before reaching the bank and continue until reaching the roundabout. At the roundabout take the right and continue for 2 kilometers you will reach Wat Ton Laeng.
