Rating: 3.8/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Wat Ban Phran is an ancient temple located in Si Phran Subdistrict, Ang Thong Province, along the Pho Thong–Sawaeng Ha route on Highway 3054 at kilometer markers 21–22. This temple is regarded as an important historical and spiritual site for the local community. With stories passed down through many generations, Wat Ban Phran has become a temple of old legend and a center of faith for people in Si Phran Subdistrict and nearby areas.

 

Although there is no definitive evidence showing exactly when Wat Ban Phran was built, oral accounts from Luang Pu Chai Mongkhon of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya state that the temple was founded by Mr. Phan and Mrs. Ngoen, a husband and wife, together with their son, Mr. Krapuk Thong. The temple is said to have been built between 1862 and 1870, during the late Sukhothai period. This was a time when Buddhism was flourishing and temples were being established across many communities.

 

At that time, the area of present-day Si Phran Subdistrict was still largely forested and made up of small agricultural communities. Building a temple in such an area was therefore highly important to the lives of local people, as the temple served as a center of religion, learning, and community gathering for Buddhist ceremonies.

 

As time passed, however, Wat Ban Phran was abandoned for more than 100 years. Trees and wild forest gradually overgrew the site until the former structures were almost hidden from view, leaving only the remains of the viharn and ancient Buddha images standing quietly in the silence of the woodland.

 

Later on, a group of hunters settled in the area. They established a village there and discovered the abandoned ancient temple. The villagers then joined together to restore the temple, clear the grounds, and revive this sacred place so that it could once again function as a temple. For this reason, the temple came to be known as “Wat Ban Phran,” after the name of the village and the group of people who played an important role in bringing the temple back to life.

 

The feature that has made Wat Ban Phran best known is the laterite Buddha image enshrined inside the viharn, which local people call “Luang Pho Krai Thong.” This Buddha image is ancient in character and holds great significance in local belief.

 

According to local legend, Luang Pho Krai Thong is a Buddha image created during the Sukhothai period by King Si Inthrathit of Sukhothai. The image was made of laterite and was dismantled into sections before being reassembled at Wat Ban Phran to serve as the principal Buddha image inside the viharn.

 

However, local villagers wanted to establish a principal Buddha image of their own for use in religious ceremonies, so a viharn was built to enshrine this image, and it came to be known as “Luang Pho Krai Thong,” the name that villagers continue to use to this day.

 

The word “Krai” in the name Luang Pho Krai Thong is said to refer to the robes of a monk, namely the robe, outer robe, and lower garment. According to local belief, on certain nights, especially around midnight, the robes of Luang Pho Krai Thong are said to emit a radiant glow like bright flames. This is regarded as an auspicious sign and a mark of sacred power.

 

This belief has made Luang Pho Krai Thong a deeply revered Buddha image among local people. Many visitors come to worship and pray for blessings in various aspects of life, whether for prosperity, protection from danger, or success in life.

 

Over many decades, Wat Ban Phran has become a spiritual center for people in Si Phran Subdistrict and nearby areas. People regularly come to make merit, listen to Dhamma teachings, and participate in religious activities held at the temple.

 

Beyond its religious role, Wat Ban Phran also reflects the way of life and culture of rural communities in Ang Thong Province. Villagers continue to observe merit-making traditions on important Buddhist holy days such as Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, and Asalha Bucha Day, as well as annual merit-making events of the village.

 

The atmosphere within the temple is shady, peaceful, and filled with large trees, allowing visitors to feel relaxed and calm. It is well suited for making merit, practicing meditation, or simply resting the mind away from the pressures of daily life.

 

With its long history, the sacred legend of Luang Pho Krai Thong, and its important role in the community, Wat Ban Phran is considered one of the temples of cultural and spiritual significance in Ang Thong Province. It remains a place where people come in search of peace and blessings in life.

 

Getting There Wat Ban Phran is located in Si Phran Subdistrict, Ang Thong Province. It can be reached via the Pho Thong–Sawaeng Ha route on Highway 3054 at kilometer markers 21–22. The temple is located not far from the community and can be easily found through Google Maps.

 

 

A: Wat Ban Phran is located in Si Phran Subdistrict, Ang Thong Province, along the Pho Thong–Sawaeng Ha route on Highway 3054.

 

A: Luang Pho Krai Thong is an ancient laterite Buddha image enshrined in the viharn of Wat Ban Phran and is deeply revered by local villagers.

 

A: According to oral historical accounts, Wat Ban Phran was built during the late Sukhothai period, around 1862–1870.

 

A: Local people believe that Luang Pho Krai Thong has protective power, helps ward off danger, and brings prosperity to those who come to worship.

 

A: You can travel via Highway 3054 on the Pho Thong–Sawaeng Ha route. The temple is located around kilometer markers 21–22 and can be found through Google Maps.