Thonburi; or Bangkok Noi; sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and was the capital of Siam during the reign of King Taksin (1768-82).

The design and construction of the Buddhist temple of Wat Suwannaram is of the Ayutthaya period (1351-1767).

The temple has been restored twice: once under Rama I; and again in the time of Rama V. It was originally a monastery called Wat Thong (Golden Wat); again later named Wat Suwannaram ( Golden Monastery) by King Rama I.

At the time of King Taksin the Great; the site was used as an execution place for Burmese prisoners of war. Until the period of the reign of King Rama V the grounds of Wat Suwannaram were also used as the Royal Cremation site for members of the Royal Family and high-rankling officials.