Wat Tamnak, or the Monastery of the Royal Residence, is located off the city island in the northern area of Ayutthaya in the Suan Phrik Sub-district in an area called Thung Kaeo (1).
The temple was on the west bank of the old Lopburi River, along a stretch of water known as Khlong Hua Ro, just opposite the Elephant Kraal. Wat Tamnak is situated between Wat Khae (restored ruin), to its northwest and Wat Phrao, to its southeast (defunct)
The temple is named after a dwelling of royals, a royal or princely temporary residence. If there was any relation with the elephant, kraal is not known. Still, Wat Tamnak could be a resting place for the Ayutthaya kings when organising a large elephant round-up at the kraal.
The large pond on the north is not natural but was formed by digging clay for construction last century. In between the Elephant Kraal and Wat Tamnak, on the eastern canal bank, was situated a large kiln, which remnants still can be seen.
In situ is a large brick mound covered in vegetation, used mainly as a garden by the neighbouring villagers. No brickwork is visible anymore, but scattered pieces of broken Buddha images can still be found around.
Historical data about the monastery and its construction are unknown.
The site features on Foreign Arts Department (FAD) maps. On the 1974 CE FAD map, it is indicated as Wat Rang (วัดร้าง). (2)
The defunct temple was in geographical coordinates: 14° 22' 28.64" N, 100° 34' 1.12" E.
A monastery with an identical name was located south of the city island in Pak Kran Sub-district near Wat Phutthaisawan.
