Rating: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Open daily 

Opening Hours: 07:00–20:00

 

Luang Pho Thong (Phra Khru Rattanasarathikhun), Wat Sa Kaeo  was a former abbot of Wat Sa Kaeo, Mueang Sa Kaeo District. He earned wide reverence from people in Sa Kaeo Province and nearby provinces for his profound command of the Dhamma-Vinaya together with knowledge of traditional Thai medicine. He used both disciplines to heal people in body and mind during difficult times, while also strengthening the temple and community.

 

He was born in the Sa Kaeo area (formerly under Prachin Buri Province) and was ordained as a monk when he came of age. He then devoted himself to Pāli and Dhamma studies while also learning Thai medical scriptures, herbs, massage, and local folk-healing wisdom from teachers in the area. After assuming the abbotship of Wat Sa Kaeo, he used this knowledge with compassion to treat villagers without discrimination, becoming known as the city’s “Thai-traditional-medicine monk.”

 

On the development front, he restored and improved Wat Sa Kaeo as a center of faith and community learning. During and after wartime hardship, he encouraged monks, novices, temple boys, and local residents to work together growing rice, field crops, and gardens to sustain the monastic community, reduce the burden on villagers, and support the temple. These efforts not only upheld Buddhist ways of life but also built a network of mutual care across urban Sa Kaeo.

 

Wat Sa Kaeo itself is an old city temple on Suwannason Road, near key provincial offices. The area once bordered a pond, so locals used to call it Wat Hua Nong/Wat Sala Nok before it was elevated to a third-class royal temple (Samany) later on. Today, the temple serves as a center for Buddhist studies and religious activities and remains a spiritual refuge for Sa Kaeo residents. Many come to pay homage, remembering Luang Pho Thong’s grace to seek blessings for their lives.

 

Getting There The temple is in Sa Kaeo Municipality on Suwannason Road (Highway 33). It’s easy to reach from downtown Sa Kaeo by private car or local taxis. Landmarks include government offices and urban community areas near a major junction on the main road.

 

 

A: He was the former abbot of Wat Sa Kaeo, widely respected for advancing Buddhist studies, restoring the temple, and helping villagers with traditional Thai medicine. He is revered in Sa Kaeo and neighboring provinces.

 

A: He strengthened Wat Sa Kaeo as a community hub, organized Buddhist education and activities, mobilized people to grow crops to support the monastic community during hardship, reduced villagers’ burdens, and used Thai medical knowledge to treat illness.

 

A: It became a third-class royal temple (Samany) in 2000 CE (B.E. 2543).

 

A: Take Suwannason Road (Hwy 33) into downtown Sa Kaeo. The temple is within the municipal area and easy to reach by private car or local taxi.

 

A: Mornings and late afternoons are generally pleasant. Check the temple’s current schedule before visiting.

 

A: A verified number is not currently available. For up-to-date details, contact the Sa Kaeo Municipality/TAT Sa Kaeo Office or the temple’s official page if available.