Talk:Tak Bai/Listings

See

Wat Chon Thara Singhe (วัดชลธาราสิงเห) is at Mu 3, Tambon Chehe, on the bank of Tak Bai River. From town, take Highway No. 4985 (Narathiwat-Tak Bai) to Tak Bai District Market intersection and turn left for about 100 metres to the temple entrance. Phra Khru Ophat Phutthakhun established the temple and requested land from Phraya Kelantan to build it in 1873. At that time, Tak Bai was still a part of Kelantan state in Malaysia.

This is a Buddhist temple among a predominantly Muslim community. It played a role in the secession of land between Siam and Malaya (then a colony of the United Kingdom) during the reign of King Rama V in 1909. The Thai side raised the fact that since this is a Buddhist temple, it should remain with Thailand. The British relented and agreed to use the Klok River (Tak Bai River) that flows through Tak Bai as the boundary. Therefore, the temple is also called “Wat Phithak Phaen Din Thai” or the temple that protects Thai sovereignty.

The temple is generally peaceful and has a spacious lawn on the bank that is ideal for relaxation. The chapel built in the reign of King Rama V has wall murals drawn by Songkhla monks. The paintings clearly recount the life of Lord Buddha and the interesting life of locals at that time. It also houses a main Buddha image made of gold, which covers its original features of a red mouth and black hair. It is situated on a base 1.5 m. high. From the style of the base, it is believed that this is a Mon image. Another building houses a reclining Buddha image and the inner walls are covered with old Sangkhalok porcelain.

Getting There: You can take a bus to Tak Bai district. In addition, there are mini-buses (20 baht), vans (30 baht and get on at the roundabout in town) and buses. You can get off at Tak Bai intersection and walk for around 500 m. Vans will take you right into the temple.

Ko Yao (เกาะยาว) is not too far from Wat Chon Thara Singhe. From Tak Bai District Market intersection, there is a 345-m. long wooden bridge spanning Tak Bai River to Ko Yao. The eastern part of the island is adjacent to the sea and has a white beach with fine sand and cozy surroundings. The people here are mostly Muslims who are fishermen and who have simple homes in coconut plantations.

Kubu Beach-Ban Khlong Tan (หาดกูบู-บ้านคลองตัน) covers Tambon Sai Wan and Tambon Sala Mai all the way to Tambon Chehe and ending at the mouth of Su-ngai Kolok River. The total distance is around 24 KM. Take Highway No. 4984 (Narathiwat-Tak Bai) for about 20 KM and there is a beach road that runs for 1 KM. This beach has lovely scenery, white sand and some pines, giving the area a shady and peaceful atmosphere.

Taba Checkpoint or Tak Bai Checkpoint (ด่านตาบาหรือด่านตากใบ) is at Ban Taba, Tambon Chehe, around 3 KM from the district. To get there, take Highway No. 4084 (Amphoe Mueang-Amphoe Tak Bai). It is another channel for bilateral tourism and trade between Thailand and Malaysia apart from Su-ngai Kolok Checkpoint.

Crossing over can be done by long-tail boats or by ferry (different landings). Boats leave about every 15 minutes and run during daylight hours. The fee is 6 baht per person, which is the same at every pier. The fee for a motorcycle is 15 baht, for a 4-wheel car is 50 baht and for a bus is 100 baht. If taking a car further than the customs checkpoint, car insurance for driving in Malaysia must be obtained. Other regulations are that the car must not have more than 40% tinting and must have seat belts as Malaysia is very strict about vehicle safety. There are car insurance companies in Thailand and in Malaysia. It is convenient to get one in Thailand where the cost is about 300 baht for a weeks stay in Malaysia. The insurance covers from 7 days to 1 year, but keep in mind that you have to leave Malaysian soil within 30 days after entering in order to comply with the documents you have to fill out at the pespective checkpoint.

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 19:50, 5 February 2010 (EST)