Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram: Bangkok’s Pop-Culture Temple

14.10.2025

In a city famed for its glittering, gilded, and centuries-old Buddhist temples, Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram offers a surprisingly modern and wonderfully eccentric twist on tradition.¹ Located along the Chao Phraya River, this working monastery has earned an international reputation—and the unofficial nickname “The David Beckham Temple”—for its unique and playful incorporation of global pop culture into its sacred artwork.²

A Modern Twist on Ancient Roots

While the temple’s fame is modern, its history is deeply rooted in the past.³ Wat Pariwat is believed to have been established sometime between the late Ayutthaya period and the beginning of the Rattanakosin era (roughly the 18th century).⁴ Though it began as a smaller, perhaps simpler sanctuary, its current iteration is a vibrant and ongoing testament to contemporary Thai artistry and a forward-thinking approach to engaging younger generations in Buddhism.⁵

Under the guidance of visionary artists and the temple’s abbot, the architecture and decor have been reimagined to blend traditional Thai craftsmanship with a dazzling array of global figures and modern icons.⁶

The Golden Pop Culture Treasure Hunt

The true draw of Wat Pariwat is its astonishing decorative work. Visitors are encouraged to embark on a fun ‘treasure hunt’ as they explore the exterior and interior of the ordination hall (ubosot) and other buildings. Traditional motifs of mythical creatures, angels, and deities are interwoven with intricately crafted stucco and mosaic figures from contemporary culture.⁹

The collection of unconventional statues and carvings is extensive and ever-growing, featuring:

The David Beckham Statue: The most famous detail is a small, golden relief of the football legend David Beckham, dressed in his Manchester United jersey, which is incorporated into the base of the main Buddha shrine in the ubosot.¹⁰ Installed in 1998 during the World Cup, the inclusion was reportedly approved by the abbot—a devoted Manchester United fan—and intended to symbolize the idea that all people, regardless of background, can support Buddhism.¹¹ Beckham is often depicted in the style of a garuda, a mythical creature supporting the Buddha’s altar.¹²
Superheroes and Cartoon Icons: Look closely at the exterior walls and mosaics to spot an impressive line-up of international pop culture figures, including Pikachu, Batman, Captain America, Superman, Wolverine, and characters from Japanese anime like One Piece.¹³
Historical and Global Figures: Even more surprisingly, you might find figures such as a winged Barack Obama taking a selfie, Albert Einstein, or Dobby the House Elf from Harry Potter tucked among the traditional religious figures.¹⁴

The core intention behind this unique art is a progressive one: to make the teachings of Buddhism more relatable and interesting to contemporary society and the younger generation, conveying the message that the religion is universal and welcoming to all.¹⁵

A Place of Worship and Serenity

Despite its whimsical decor, Wat Pariwat is an active and revered place of worship.¹⁶ At its heart, the ubosot houses a significant and much older ¹⁷ Buddha image, which is over 700 years old.¹⁸

Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River near Rama III Road, the temple also offers a peaceful riverside setting.¹⁹ Visitors can often make merit by buying food to feed the fish in the river, providing a quiet counterpoint to the vibrant, chaotic artistry of the main structures.²⁰

For travelers who have experienced “temple fatigue” from a steady diet of traditional Thai Wats, Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram is an unmissable destination. It is a one-of-a-kind monument that perfectly encapsulates Bangkok’s ability to fuse ancient tradition with a playful, modern, and cosmopolitan spirit.²¹

Visitor Information:

Attire: As a functioning Buddhist temple, respectful dress is required. Visitors should ensure their knees and shoulders are covered.
Access: The temple is easily accessible via the Bangkok BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) at the Wat Pariwat Station.²³
Cost: There is typically no entrance fee, but donations are welcome.²⁴