Wat Hat Siao is located on the eastern bank of the Yom River in Hat Siao District, Sukhothai Province. This historic and culturally significant temple has stood for over 167 years, having been established before 1844 (B.E. 2387), making it one of the oldest preserved sites of the Thai Phuan community. Originally known as Wat Pho Sai, the temple’s inscription on the ordination hall wall records that the temple was consecrated on Tuesday, the 15th day of the waxing moon of the fifth month in the Year of the Rabbit (April 2, 1844). The construction of the temple was a collaborative effort between the lay community, led by Saen Panya, Saen Chan, and Saen Phon, and the monastic community, led by Chao Hua Ai Somdet of Wat Ban Tad. This cooperation reflects the unity and devotion of the local people during that period.

 

Wat Hat Siao is a Mahayana Buddhist temple covering an area of 6 rai, 2 ngan, and 48 square wah (approximately 2.5 hectares). Its boundaries are clearly defined: 142.5 meters to the north, 135 meters to the south connecting to public land, 80 meters to the east, and 85 meters to the west bordering private land and public access roads. The temple serves as the main religious center for the Hat Siao District and has been a spiritual and cultural hub for the community for generations.

 

The historical significance of Wat Hat Siao is further highlighted by an important royal visit in 1917 (B.E. 2460) when Somdet Phra Mahasomdej Krom Phraya Vajirayanawororos stayed at the temple during an inspection of the monastic community. During this visit, the temple was renamed Wat Hat Siao, reflecting the district’s current name, which had been changed from Dong District. At that time, Phra Khru Uttama, the temple’s first abbot, received the royal title Phra Khru Sattha Sophon, marking the first time an abbot of this temple was granted a formal ecclesiastical rank. The temple was most recently granted royal permission for the Wisungkhamasima boundary on October 16, 1986 (B.E. 2529).

 

The temple’s most distinctive feature is its ordination hall, which represents the oldest remaining example of Thai Phuan architecture. This hall showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and aesthetic of the period, closely reflecting the architectural style used when the temple was first built. In addition to the ordination hall, Wat Hat Siao historically had eight intricately designed main gates, and it features other significant religious structures, including a chedi (stupa), a scripture hall situated in the middle of the pond, and the revered Salja Wat Hat Siao, locally known as Chao Pho Pu Kue, a spiritual site deeply respected by the residents of Hat Siao.

 

Wat Hat Siao serves not only as a place of worship but also as a center for community gatherings and cultural preservation. Visitors can appreciate the beauty of the ancient architecture while learning about the customs, traditions, and beliefs of the Thai Phuan community. The temple stands as a testament to the devotion, unity, and religious significance of the local population, preserved for future generations.

 

Its accessible location near the district center and the scenic view of the Yom River make Wat Hat Siao an essential destination for tourists, history enthusiasts, and those interested in Thai culture. The preservation of the temple and its architectural heritage ensures that the unique cultural values of the Thai Phuan community continue to be celebrated and passed down.