[Photo from visitpenang.gov.my]

Wat Chayamangkalaram is a Siamese temple which was officially given its site by Queen Victoria in 1845. It was presented by Mr. W.L. Butterworth of the East India Company of Penang on July 22, 1845.

The temple was built by a Buddhist monk who came from Thailand. The five acres of land which was donated by Queen Victoria was to as a gesture of goodwill to Thailand and the Thai community. The first monk was a Theravada Buddhist monk from Thailand, Phorthan Kuat, also known as the "Powerful Monk". The legend about the monk tells us, that he was very fond of “Laksa”, the local speciality of Penang. Even today devotees bring a bowl of laksa as an offering to his shrine.

The temple celebrates four important events, namely the Thai New Year, Wesak Day, Merit Making Day in July and the anniversary of the construction of the reclining Buddha. On these occasions, the temple is thronged with devotees burning joss-sticks and making offerings.