Wat Ban Mae Salid (Weruwan) serves as the center of religious activities for the Mae Salid village community. Located in Village No. 3, Mae Salid Subdistrict, the temple is a historic landmark of the village, preserving an old ordination hall for future generations and hosting traditional village ceremonies.

 

Wat Ban Mae Salid (Weruwan) is situated at No. 40, Ban Mae Salid, Village No. 1, Mae Salid Subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province. It is an important temple under the Maha Nikaya sect, acting as a hub for both religious and cultural activities in the local community. Positioned on a small hill, the temple covers an area of 16 rai, 2 ngan, and 20 square wah, surrounded by farmland and village houses, providing a serene environment ideal for meditation and spiritual practice.

 

The temple was founded around 1732 BE (1789 CE) and was originally located at the western end of the village by the Kwae Wang River. It was later relocated to the eastern side of the village to better accommodate the expansion of religious activities. The Ministry of Education officially recognized the temple on October 5, 1950, and it received its sacred boundary (Wisungkhamasima) on February 13, 1954. Initially called Ban Mae Salid Temple, it housed five monks and three novices and has continued to serve as a center for Buddhist studies throughout the years.

 

Wat Ban Mae Salid (Weruwan) features several main buildings, including an ordination hall measuring 8 by 16 meters, built in 1962; a sermon hall measuring 16 by 20 meters; a prayer hall measuring 6 by 11.5 meters; and four wooden monk’s quarters. The temple sits on elevated land, with its northern boundary extending 150 meters along local farmland, 145 meters to the south along a public road, and 194 meters to the east adjoining a public road and the land of Mrs. Lialed and Mrs. Chuay, documented with official Nor Sor 3 Gor title deeds.

 

Besides religious functions, the temple serves as a center for Buddhist education and community activities for youth and residents, acting as the spiritual heart of the Ban Mae Salid community. The long-serving abbot, Phra Kru Prajak Suphavat, has held his position since before the temple’s relocation in 1944, playing a key role in the temple’s development and promotion of Buddhist teachings.

 

Located in Mae Salid Subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province, the temple is easily accessible via the main provincial roads. Visitors can make merit, pay respects, or study Buddhist scripture conveniently, while the surrounding rice fields and natural scenery offer opportunities for cultural and nature-based tourism.

 

With a history of over 200 years and a strong role in religious practice, Wat Ban Mae Salid (Weruwan) remains a significant site reflecting the faith and culture of the Ban Tak community, and it continues to attract those wishing to experience the religious and cultural heritage of northern Thailand.