Surat Thani (often in short Surat, Thai: สุราษฎร์ธานี) is the largest of the southern provinces in Thailand, on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Surat Thani means City of Good People, the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI).
The two most important Buddhist monasteries of the province are both located in Chaiya district. Phra Boromathat Chaiya is highlighted by the chedi in Srivijaya style, dating back from the 7th century but elaborately restored. Buddha relics are enshrined in the chedi, in the surrounding chapels are several Buddha statues in Srivijaya style. Adjoining the temple is the Chaiya national museum.
Also nearby is Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram, a forest monastery founded by the famous monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.
