Rating: 3.7/5 (10 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Song Tham is located at No. 122, Ban Nong Kapho, Moo 2, Nong Chumphon Nuea Subdistrict, Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province. It is a temple under the Dhammayut Nikaya, playing an important role in Buddhism, religious education, and the training in Buddhist discipline within the rural area of Khao Yoi District. The temple clearly reflects the character of a Dhammayut monastery that emphasizes simplicity, strict observance of monastic discipline, and its function as a spiritual center for the local community.

 

Wat Song Tham occupies a total land area of approximately 15 rai, 2 ngan, and 20 square wah. Its boundaries are defined as follows: the northern side adjoins a public road, the southern side adjoins a public canal, and both the eastern and western sides adjoin private land. In addition, the temple possesses one plot of monastic land (thorani song) covering an area of 13 rai and 98 square wah. This land ownership demonstrates the temple’s long-term stability in terms of property and supports the sustainable development of Buddhist activities.

 

Wat Song Tham was officially established on March 10, 1961, and was granted royal boundary demarcation (wisungkhamsima) in the same year, on July 10, 1961. Receiving the wisungkhamsima shortly after its establishment reflects the readiness of the temple in terms of land, monastic community, and its role within the local society at that time.

 

Regarding monastic buildings, Wat Song Tham features a large ordination hall (ubosot) measuring approximately 20 meters in width and 40 meters in length. Constructed in 1965, the ubosot is a brick-and-mortar structure used for monastic ceremonies and important Buddhist rituals. The sermon hall (sala kan parian), built in 1976, is a two-story half-concrete, half-wooden building that serves as the center for religious activities and for teaching monks and novices.

 

The temple has as many as 17 monks’ residences (kuti), most of which are half-concrete, half-wooden structures. These reflect the Dhammayut tradition that values sufficiency and suitability for monastic living and meditation practice. Overall, the atmosphere of the temple is peaceful, simple, and highly conducive to religious practice.

 

The important sacred objects of Wat Song Tham include the principal Buddha image enshrined in the ordination hall, which was created together with the ubosot in 1965, and a life-sized statue of Luang Pho Rit, created in 1969. These objects are deeply revered by local villagers, particularly in recognition of Luang Pho Rit’s significant role in the development of the temple and the surrounding community during a key period in the temple’s history.

 

In terms of administration and governance, Wat Song Tham has maintained a continuous succession of abbots. The first abbot was Phra Athikan Phrom Piyakaro, who served from 1962 to 1974. He was succeeded by Phra Khru Watcharathammasan, who has served as abbot from 1975 to the present. The current abbot has played an important role in developing the temple in religious affairs, education, and community relations.

 

In the field of education, Wat Song Tham established a Dhamma Studies School (Phra Pariyatti Dhamma School, Dhamma Division) in 1969 to promote the study of Buddhist doctrine and discipline among monks and novices in the area. This represents an important role of the Dhammayut tradition in maintaining standards of Buddhist education at the local level.

 

Wat Song Tham also maintains a close relationship with the Ban Nong Kapho community and nearby areas. Important merit-making events such as the annual rains retreat (Khao Phansa), Kathina ceremonies, and communal robe-offering ceremonies (Pha Pa Samakkhi) are occasions when villagers gather at the temple. As a result, the temple is not only a sacred place but also a space of shared memories and continuity in the community’s way of life.

 

Getting There Wat Song Tham can be reached by using the main routes leading into Khao Yoi District, then continuing toward Nong Chumphon Nuea Subdistrict. The temple is located within the Ban Nong Kapho community and is easily accessible by private vehicle, with parking available within the temple grounds.

 

 

A: It belongs to the Dhammayut Nikaya.

 

A: The temple was established on March 10, 1961.

 

A: It operates a Phra Pariyatti Dhamma School (Dhamma Division), which has been open since 1969.

 

A: The current abbot is Phra Khru Watcharathammasan.

 

A: Yes, it is suitable for those seeking peace, simplicity, and practice in accordance with Dhammayut monastic discipline.