Wat Rong Chang is located in Rong Chang Subdistrict, to the south of Pichit city, adjacent to the Pichit-Sang Ngam–Wang Chik Road, accessible via Highways 115 and 1068, around the 5-kilometer marker. This temple is an ancient site dating back to the Ayutthaya period during the reign of Phraya Kot Bong. Originally, the area was called "Kong Chang" because it served as a resting place for elephant troops. Over time, the name evolved to "Khlong Chang," and later, when a public school was established at the temple, it was renamed Wat Rong Chang. The temple has therefore served not only as a religious center but also as a hub for education and local culture.

 

Within the temple grounds are three large outdoor Buddha statues, each with its own unique significance: the Buddha in the Maravijaya posture, the Buddha in the Parental-Restraint posture, and the Reclining Buddha. These statues are focal points for both locals and visitors, embodying the community’s devotion and reflecting the artistic and cultural values of Buddhism in the area.

 

The most remarkable feature of Wat Rong Chang is its large stupa, built in 1974 (B.E. 2517). The stupa stands majestically and serves as a spiritual center for the surrounding community. Around the stupa are 108 Tripitaka cabinets, allowing devotees to make merit by placing sacred texts inside for blessings and good fortune. Inside the stupa, a hidden underground chamber was constructed to house 84,000 engraved Tripitaka bricks, preserving Buddhist teachings for future generations in case of unforeseen events such as wars or natural disasters. This demonstrates the foresight and dedication of the temple’s founders in safeguarding the heritage of Buddhism.

 

Wat Rong Chang is not only a place for worship and meditation but also a cultural and historical hub that exemplifies the integration of faith, knowledge, and innovative efforts to preserve Buddhist teachings. Visitors can appreciate the exquisite Buddhist architecture, the arrangement of Buddha statues and the stupa, and the temple’s commitment to connecting religion, education, and community. This makes Wat Rong Chang a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Pichit Province, offering both spiritual tranquility and cultural insight.