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Wat Song Sawoei, Chainat is an important historical temple in Wat Sing District, closely associated with the royal visit of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, during the later years of his reign. The temple is located in Ban Nong Khae, Village No. 1, Nong Noi Subdistrict, Wat Sing District, Chainat Province, and is well known for the story of the king’s journey to inspect the old waterway routes. This royal visit later became the origin of the name “Wat Song Sawoei,” a name deeply tied to a significant historical event in this community.

 

Wat Song Sawoei is not only a place of worship for the local community, but also a site that reflects the close relationship between the Thai monarchy and the people in the past. This was especially true during the reign of Rama V, who initiated many national reforms and personally traveled to different regions of the country to observe the living conditions of his subjects. The event that took place at Wat Song Sawoei therefore stands as one of the stories that illustrates the king’s closeness to the people, and it continues to be passed down from generation to generation.

 

Going back to October 16, 1908, corresponding to R.S. 127, King Chulalongkorn traveled to inspect old water routes. He first journeyed by train from Bangkok to Nakhon Sawan, and then boarded the royal barge Krut Hoen Het to continue along the Makham Thao waterway, now known as the Tha Chin River. The purpose was to survey this important water transportation route, which played a vital role in the economy and daily life of the people in Thailand’s central region.

 

At that time, the Makham Thao waterway was an important route for transportation, but it was filled with water hyacinths and tree stumps that obstructed navigation. Local villagers therefore joined forces to cut away the stumps and remove the water hyacinths so that the royal barge could pass through more easily. This event reflects the cooperation of the local people, who wished to welcome their king with deep respect and loyalty.

 

That night, the king stayed at Wat Hua Hat in Manorom District, now known as Wat Phikun Ngam. This was considered his third royal visit to Chainat. The following day, on October 17, 1908, he continued his journey along the Makham Thao waterway, passing through Wat Sing Market before arriving at Ban Nong Khae. In the past, this area was part of Khlong Chan Subdistrict, before later being reorganized as part of Nong Noi Subdistrict, as it is today.

 

When news spread that King Chulalongkorn would arrive in the area, the villagers of Ban Nong Khae were overjoyed and excited. Phra Athikan Khloi, who was the abbot of the temple at that time, encouraged the villagers to work together to build a temporary pavilion to receive the king. The preparations became a major event for the community, as everyone united to express their loyalty and devotion to the monarch.

 

During the royal stay at Ban Nong Khae, King Chulalongkorn expressed his wish to try local food from the area. Ta Plaen, the temple lay steward at Wat Nong Khae at that time, therefore instructed the villagers to gather young rattan shoots, a local delicacy commonly eaten in the area, and to prepare boiled banana stalk along with pla matcha chili paste as part of the royal meal.

 

After the king had tasted these local dishes, he was greatly pleased and told the villagers that from then on, the temple should be called “Wat Sawoei,” in memory of the occasion when he had dined there. However, the villagers felt that the word “Song,” meaning royal, should be added to honor the king properly. From that point onward, the temple became known as “Wat Song Sawoei,” and this name has remained in use ever since.

 

This event also turned Wat Song Sawoei into a place of considerable historical importance, because King Chulalongkorn presented commemorative gifts to Phra Athikan Khloi, the abbot at that time. These items came from the funeral ceremony of Prince Urubongs Rajsombhoj, one of the king’s sons.

 

The royal gifts given to Wat Song Sawoei included an alms bowl with a gold oval emblem on the lid bearing an inscription for R.S. 128 and the funeral of Prince Urubongs Rajsombhoj. There was also a large tiffin carrier with the same inscription on its lid, along with a royal dagger, a lantern, a small sampan boat, and a tea set. These objects are all highly valuable historical artifacts, and the temple has carefully preserved them so that future generations may study and remember this important event from the past.

 

Although some objects, such as a palm-leaf ceremonial fan, have been lost over time, the items that remain still serve as important evidence confirming the royal visit of Rama V. They also help preserve the historical story of Wat Song Sawoei, which continues to be retold to this day.

 

Today, Wat Song Sawoei remains the religious and cultural center of the Ban Nong Khae community. Villagers continue to gather here for religious ceremonies, merit-making, and local traditional activities. As a result, the temple is not only a historical site, but also a spiritual center for the people of the community.

 

Getting There If you are traveling from Bangkok, you can take Asian Highway No. 32 toward Chainat Province, then continue to Wat Sing District and enter Nong Noi Subdistrict. Wat Song Sawoei is located not far from the Ban Nong Khae community. The temple is conveniently accessible by private car as well as by public transport from Chainat town.

 

 

A: Wat Song Sawoei is located in Ban Nong Khae, Village No. 1, Nong Noi Subdistrict, Wat Sing District, Chainat Province.

 

A: The temple received its name because King Chulalongkorn once stayed here and dined on local food, after which villagers began calling it “Wat Song Sawoei.”

 

A: The temple was one of the places where King Rama V stopped during his inspection journey along the Makham Thao waterway in 1908.

 

A: The temple preserves an alms bowl and a tiffin carrier bearing the R.S. 128 inscription from the funeral of Prince Urubongs Rajsombhoj, both of which were royal gifts from King Rama V.

 

A: Yes. Wat Song Sawoei is open daily for both worshippers and visitors who wish to pay respect and explore its history.