Statues of Nai Rueang and Nai Nok: Faith and Self-Immolation
On both sides of the Crowned Archway, there are square-plan buildings housing sculptures of two individuals: Nai Rueang and Nai Nok. Nai Rueang was an individual from the reign of King Rama I, and Nai Nok lived during the reign of King Rama II. The creation of their stone sculptures stems from the self-immolation of both men, an act they undertook to attain Bodhiyana (enlightenment).
In that era, such actions were highly regarded as a sacrifice for Buddhism, considered deeply admirable acts of devotion to the faith. The sculpture of Nai Rueang depicts a man with a Mahatthai hairstyle (traditional Thai haircut for males), sitting in the khat samathi posture (cross-legged meditation), with hands clasped in reverence, located on the left side of the ubosot (ordination hall). On the right side is Nai Nok, also sitting in the cross-legged meditation posture, with hands resting clasped in his lap, in a meditative pose.
