Wat Santree is a Buddhist temple located in Village No. 23, Wat Bot Subdistrict, Mueang Prachinburi District, Prachinburi Province. It is a relatively young monastery, officially recognized on October 10, 2000, yet it has become deeply rooted in the religious and cultural life of the local community. Unlike older temples with centuries of history, Wat Santree represents the faith of a new generation of villagers who came together to create a sacred space for worship, meditation, and merit-making. Despite its short history, the temple has already gained recognition both for its role as a spiritual center and for its remarkable natural environment known as the “Bird Garden of Wat Santree,” which draws visitors from near and far.

 

The origins of the temple are tied to the devotion of the local people. Before it became a formal monastery, the land was covered with large trees and was already home to flocks of waterbirds. Villagers sought to turn the place into a sanctuary not only for religious practice but also for nature itself. Once the temple was granted official status, construction of essential buildings followed: an ordination hall, monk residences, and a sermon hall. The style of the ordination hall reflects traditional Thai architecture, with its tiered rooflines, gilded gables, and elegant finials. The design is simple yet dignified, symbolizing the spiritual aspirations of the community.

 

A central figure associated with Wat Santree is Phra Kru Santithammaros, also widely known as Luang Pho Phairo. He is a respected monk whose teachings and guidance have left a lasting impact on the temple and its followers. Revered as a model of discipline and practice, he emphasized meditation, strict adherence to monastic rules, and compassionate service to the community. His amulets and commemorative coins are sought after by devotees, not only as sacred objects but also as symbols of his legacy. Through his leadership, Wat Santree became not just a physical place of worship but also a space of moral instruction and spiritual cultivation.

 

The temple grounds reflect a balance between human construction and natural preservation. Around the temple stand tall shade trees, and at the heart of its identity is the Bird Garden. This sanctuary has become famous as a roosting site for large numbers of waterbirds such as cormorants, herons, and egrets. During the peak season,to feed, nest, and return to their roosts in the evening. The sight of countless birds soaring back to the trees at dusk has turned Wat Santree into a living classroom of ecology and a rare example of harmony between religion and nature. Visitors often describe the experience as both serene and awe-inspiring, where the chanting of monks inside the ordination hall seems to blend naturally with the cries of the birds above the treetops.

 

The Bird Garden is not only an ecological treasure but also resonates with Buddhist values of compassion and coexistence. Just as the Buddha taught about kindness to all living beings, the community here preserves this habitat as a practical expression of Dhamma. Students, researchers, and families frequently visit to observe the ecosystem, learning how the temple has become a guardian of biodiversity while still fulfilling its religious mission.

 

Wat Santree is also a vibrant stage for Buddhist festivals and ceremonies. On holy days such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, and the end of Buddhist Lent, villagers gather in the temple to make merit, offer alms, listen to sermons, and walk in candlelight processions around the ordination hall. Annual Kathina and robe-offering ceremonies further strengthen the bonds between the monastery and its supporters. The temple also organizes novice ordinations during school holidays, offering young boys the opportunity to spend time in saffron robes, learning discipline, mindfulness, and moral values. These events ensure that Buddhist traditions are passed on to future generations.

 

Beyond religion, the temple plays a role in social and educational life. It provides space for moral instruction, youth activities, and community meetings. In times of difficulty, such as floods or natural disasters, the temple has acted as a refuge for villagers. Charity events are regularly organized to assist the needy, proving that Wat Santree is not only a spiritual center but also a hub of compassion and solidarity.

 

Traveling to Wat Santree is convenient. The temple lies a short distance from Prachinburi town, with clear signposts along the main road leading to Wat Bot Subdistrict. Private cars are the easiest way to reach the temple, but local transport is also available. Many visitors prefer to come in the morning to make merit and then stay until evening to witness the spectacular return of the birds. This rhythm of religious and natural encounters makes the temple appealing to both pilgrims and eco-tourists.

 

The temple’s presence has also enriched the wider cultural landscape of Prachinburi. Visitors often combine a trip to Wat Santree with tours of other historic temples in the province or excursions to nearby natural reserves such as Khao Yai National Park and Thap Lan National Park. Thus, the temple is not an isolated site but part of a broader network of heritage and natural attractions that define the identity of the region.

 

Although it is still young compared to centuries-old monasteries, Wat Santree embodies the enduring strength of faith and community. Its ordination hall and sermon hall are symbols of devotion, while its Bird Garden reflects the principle of living in harmony with nature. The guidance of Luang Pho Phairo has ensured that the temple maintains its spiritual integrity while serving the needs of the community. For locals, Wat Santree is a place to practice religion; for visitors, it is a rare blend of culture, spirituality, and natural wonder. Over just two decades, the temple has grown into a landmark that demonstrates how religion, people, and the environment can coexist in peace, making it one of the most distinctive and meaningful destinations in Prachinburi Province.