BANGKOK — One of Bangkok’s most remarkable works of traditional Thai art stretches along the walls of the cloister surrounding the sacred grounds of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, better known as Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The inner walls of the cloister are covered with intricate murals depicting the Ramakien, Thailand’s celebrated epic of gods, heroes, demons and mythical battles.
The murals are not simply decorative. Together, they form an enormous visual retelling of one of Thailand’s most important literary and artistic traditions.
Construction of Wat Phra Kaew began in 1783 under the reign of King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty. The temple was built within the Grand Palace complex and houses the Emerald Buddha, regarded as Thailand’s most sacred Buddha image.
The Ramakien murals were first painted during the reign of King Rama I and have undergone restoration and repainting several times over the centuries.
The mural cycle consists of 178 sections, beginning near the front of the Phra Wihan Yot and continuing around the cloister. Alongside the main narrative are depictions of Hindu deities and different manifestations of Vishnu, leading into the story of Rama’s incarnation.
The complex also contains 80 additional images of important Ramakien characters, bringing the total to 258 painted scenes and images.
At the heart of the story is the conflict between Rama and his divine allies and Thotsakan (Ravana) and his demon army and allies. Among the best-known characters are Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Thotsakan and Hanuman.
The Ramakien is Thailand’s adaptation of the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, but it has developed its own distinctive characters, stories and artistic traditions. In Thailand, the epic has appeared not only in literature but also in khon masked dance, theatre, music and visual art.
Its influence can be seen across the country, particularly in murals at Buddhist temples.
At Wat Phra Kaew, however, the scale and detail of the artwork make the Ramakien story especially striking. Visitors walking around the cloister can follow the epic through hundreds of scenes, with armies, palaces, mythical creatures and battles rendered in the distinctive style of traditional Thai painting.
The murals also provide a glimpse into how generations of Thai artists interpreted the Ramakien, preserving a story that has been passed down through centuries while showcasing the craftsmanship of Thailand’s traditional arts.
Today, the cloister remains one of the major highlights for visitors exploring Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, offering an opportunity to experience Thailand’s literary heritage through one of its most enduring art forms.
