Thai coins feature some of Thailand's most sacred temples.
In this article, we'll talk about those temples in brief.
So, read ahead!
Along with a picture of King Rama IX and the number indicating the value, each Thai coin depicts a Thai temple as well.
There are six Thai coins - 4 baht coins and 2 satang coins - featuring six temples namely Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Saket, Wat Benchamabophit, and Wat Arun.
All of these temples are quite significant in terms of both religious and architectural values, and attract tourists from all around the world.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan on 25 Satang Coin
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is located in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Southern Thailand. The temple was built during the Srivijaya empire and went on to be the most revered religious site in the entire region. The main attraction here is the Phra Borommathat Chedi which is a bell-shaped stupa housing the relics of Lord Buddha.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on 50 Satang Coin
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, popularly known as Doi Suthep, is situated at an elevation of 1,073 meters above sea level, in the region of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It requires a climb of 309 steps to reach the temple's entrance. The structure is a sight to behold, representing the design of Sukhothai art.
Wat Phra Kaew on 1 Baht Coin
Wat Phra Kaew is commonly known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and is located in the Grand Palace complex. This temple houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha, which is carved from a single block of jade. It was founded in 1783 during the reign of King Rama I. The main attractions here are The Than Phaithi, Ho Rakhang, Ho Phra Khanthararat, etc.
Wat Saket on 2 Baht Coin
Wat Saket, also referred to as The Temple of the Golden Mount, was commissioned in the Ayutthaya era, and later got renovated during the reign of King Rama I. The temple is built on an artificial hill, and so, it offers a splendid view to the visitors. There are many statues of vultures and corpses that depict the darkest hours in Thailand's history.
Wat Benchamabophit on 5 Baht Coin
Wat Benchamabophit is also located in the city of Bangkok. The temple dates back to 1899 and was designed by Prince Naris. It features high gables, stepped-out roofs, and elaborate finials. There's a Sukhothai-style Buddha statue named 'Phra Buddhajinaraja' inside the ordination hall - which is a copy of Phra Buddha Chinarat.
Wat Arun on 10 Baht Coin
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, in the city of Bangkok. The temple derives its name after the Hindu God Aruna - the embodiment of the reddish glow of the rising sun. It dates back to the 17th century and was named Wat Cheng at that time. It has a 70-meter-high prang which can even be seen from a far distance.
A trip to Thailand is never complete unless you visit these temples.
