Wat Thung Sunun Rattanaram is located in Ban Thung Sunun, Moo 4, Raharn Subdistrict, Bueng Samakkhi District, Kamphaeng Phet Province. It is a civil temple under the Mahanikaya sect, covering an area of 27 rai, 2 ngan, and 36 square wah. The temple was first established in 1949 by villagers of Lao Khrang and Lao Wiang descent who migrated from Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi provinces to seek farmland in the area now known as Bueng Samakkhi District. At that time, the area was dense forest, rich in wildlife and natural water sources, with numerous sunun trees (locally known as khrai nun) across the fields, giving the village its name, Ban Thung Sunun.

 

Later, more Isan people from Roi Et and Khon Kaen provinces migrated to join the community, along with Chinese-Thai traders. As the settlement grew, the villagers collectively established a temple on the current site of Bueng Samakkhi Kindergarten and invited Luang Pu Biew Thavariko from Ban Pong, Ratchaburi, to serve as the head of the monastic residence. However, the original location was unsuitable as it was near a sharp curve, so the temple land was exchanged with the school, and Wat Thung Sunun Rattanaram was relocated to its present location at the Thung Sunun intersection.

 

The temple was officially recognized on April 12, 1970, and named "Wat Thung Sunun Rattanaram," meaning "the precious jewel of the Thung Sunun villagers." It has been offering Dhamma studies since 1965 and received the royal boundary marker (Wisungkhamasima) in 1980, with the ceremonial consecration of the boundary (Phutthasima) in 1982.

 

The temple has had several abbots over time, including Luang Pu Biew Thavariko, Phra Athikan Rian Paphassaro, Phra Kru Kae Sirisaro, and Phra Maha Aphichat Kittivoranyo, who has served since 2014. The temple has been developed not only physically but also spiritually, promoting unity among the community’s diverse ethnic groups using Buddhist principles and local cultural practices.

 

Wat Thung Sunun Rattanaram has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Community Training Unit at the subdistrict level (2009), National Outstanding Health Promotion Temple (2010), Best Toilet Award at the provincial level (2010), Outstanding Dental Health Promotion Temple (2011), and the Buddhist Merit Award from the House of Representatives (2010), among others.

 

In terms of culture and tradition, the temple hosts major annual festivals such as the Bun Phawet festival in February, which features the recitation of the Mahachat sermon and merit-making activities from the 13th to the 2nd lunar day of the third month. This festival is one of the largest and most attended in lower northern Thailand, preserving the traditions of the Mekong River communities, including Lao Khrang, Lao Wiang, and Isan Lao.

 

Other annual traditions include the summer novice ordination from April 1–15, the Yaokhor Kru ceremony on April 15 (Phaya Day), the Candle Festival two days before Buddhist Lent, merit-making events during the rainy season, Tak Bat Thewo ceremony on the 1st waning day of the 11th lunar month, Kathina ceremony, Loy Krathong festival on the 13th–15th lunar days of the 12th month, and New Year Eve chanting on December 31.

 

The temple also houses the Phra Phuttha Mahalapho, an early Rattanakosin-style Buddha image discovered in Ban Pong, Ratchaburi, as well as Lanna-style Buddha images from Vientiane. It operates a community radio station, “Khon Mee Boon FM 105.25 MHz,” to promote Buddhism and cultural awareness, and maintains a museum displaying sacred relics and ancient artifacts.

 

Through its cultural and religious activities, Wat Thung Sunun Rattanaram fosters unity and spiritual growth within a diverse community. Its annual Bun Phawet festival not only preserves ancestral traditions but also allows younger generations to learn and continue these cultural heritages.