The Golden Pavilion at Wat Sai.
by
H.R.H. Prince Damrong Rajanubhab.
Translated from the Siamese by B. O. Cartwright.
On the 23rd and 24th of July 1921, the National Library was specially opened for the Priests and Novices' visit. Phra Khru Thavara Samanavamsa of Wat Sai, amphur of Bangkhunthian, district of Thonburi, came to visit the National Library and stated that at Wat Sai there was a Pavilion the walls of which were covered with designs in gold, just like lacquer and gilt bookcases in the National Library, and that the oldest inhabitants relate that it is a Pavilion built by King Khun Luang Süa of Ayuthya. On the 28th of July 1921, I went to look at the Pavilion at Wat Sai, and saw that it was a genuine antique and of historical importance, and ought to be reckoned as an important memorial of the past. I, therefore, have published this explanatory pamphlet in order that those interested in relics of the past may read about this Pavillion.
(1)Wat Sai is situated near Klong Sanamchai (commonly known as Klong Dan) on the western bank near Bangkhunthian. It can be reached from Bangkok by the Tachin railway, alight at Bangkhunthian Station, and walk a short distance in a southerly direction, and the boundary of the Temple will be reached, the railway line passes behind the temple. Besides there are two ways of reaching Wat Sai by boat, one by Klong Bangkok Yai, the other by Klong Daokhanong, but care must be taken to go when there is plenty of water in the canals. This ancient pavilion is situated near the canal, by the side of the priests' cells. It is a wooden pavilion with three rooms. Its length is 8 meters 50, width 4 meters 50, the long side faces the canal. On the southern side one room is divided off by a partition wall, having a window with carved frames forming the point of an arch. On the northern face the walls are open in order to place curtains for converting into two rooms. The posts and beams are all rotten and have been replaced; the walls are the only original part left. The outer face of the walls are decorated with "Kranok" designs in gold, but the gilding is left only on the eaves.
