Khun Rong Palat Chu Monument (Wat Si Roi Memorial)

History & Significance

Khun Rong Palat Chu was a renowned martial arts and sword master from Wiset Chai Chan who held the official post of deputy town administrator during the reign of King Borommakot. During the late Ayutthaya era under King Ekkathat (Somdet Phra Thinang Suriyat Amarin), King Alaungpaya of Burma invaded Siam. Khun Rong Palat Chu rallied a volunteer unit of 400 local men, known as the Kong Atmat, to assist the central Ayutthaya army.

His unit was deployed to intercept an estimated 8,000 invading troops at Ao Wha Khao in present-day Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Facing overwhelming enemy numbers without requested reinforcements, the 400 fighters engaged in fierce combat from morning until midday before being pushed into the sea, where all made the ultimate sacrifice in battle. In 1770 (2313 BE), 11 years after the battle, local villagers established Wat Si Roi (literally meaning Temple of the Four Hundred) to dedicate merit to these fallen heroes. In 2007 (2550 BE), construction of the Khun Rong Palat Chu Monument commenced inside the temple grounds, and it was officially inaugurated by the Bang Chak Subdistrict Municipality on November 21, 2010 (2553 BE).

Highlights & What to See

Key highlights at the site include:

• Heroic Monument: The commemorative statue of Khun Rong Palat Chu standing proudly inside the temple grounds.
• Historical Grounds of Wat Si Roi: The temple compound founded specifically in memory of the 400 Atmat warriors.

Visitor Information

• Admission Fee: Free entry (0.00 THB).
• Etiquette: As the monument is located within active temple grounds, visitors should dress respectfully and maintain quiet reverence.

How to Get There

The monument is situated at Wat Si Roi, Ban Si Roi (Moo 4), Si Roi Subdistrict, Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong Province.