Wat Mai Charoenphon

Rating: 3.8/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Mai Charoenphon is located at 9/1 Moo 3, Saeng Chuto Road, Tha Ruea Subdistrict, Tha Maka District, Kanchanaburi Province. It is a temple under the Mahanikaya order, occupying a total area of 37 rai, 2 ngan, and 1 square wah. The northern boundary adjoins the road leading to the Lo family cemetery, the southern boundary borders Ban Krok and Ban Talat Mai in Tha Maka Subdistrict, the eastern boundary adjoins Saeng Chuto Road (the Bangkok–Kanchanaburi route), and the western boundary borders Tha Ruea Pittayakhom School, which is situated on land owned by the temple, as well as the Mae Klong River.

 

The location of Wat Mai Charoenphon reflects the close relationship between the temple and the surrounding community in terms of religion, education, and daily life. Situated along Saeng Chuto Road, a major transportation route linking Bangkok and Kanchanaburi Province, the temple is easily accessible and has long served as a center for religious and social activities in Tha Ruea Subdistrict.

 

Originally, Wat Mai Charoenphon was known as “Wat Rat Charoenphon” and was located along the banks of the Mae Klong River near Prachuap Sugar Factory. At that time, the surrounding area was largely forested, transportation was inconvenient, and access roads to the temple were difficult to use. As a result, traveling to the temple for merit-making was challenging for villagers, leading to a low number of visitors. In addition, the temple’s riverside location caused frequent flooding during the rainy season.

 

Due to these difficulties, local villagers and monks jointly considered solutions to enable the temple to function more effectively as a religious center. A collective decision was made to relocate the temple from its original site in Ban Krok to a new location in Ban Tha Ruea within the same area, approximately 1–2 kilometers away from the original temple. The new site lies between Ban Tha Ruea and Ban Krok, offering a location that is more accessible to the community.

 

The relocation and construction of the new temple were the result of genuine cooperation among villagers, who donated land for the temple site and worked together to build monastic structures to serve as residences for monks and venues for religious activities. The newly established temple covers an area of approximately 34 rai, representing the unity and faith of the community in preserving their spiritual center alongside their village.

 

After the relocation to Ban Tha Ruea, the temple was renamed “Wat Mai Rat Charoenphon,” as evidenced by inscriptions on marble slabs inside the ordination hall, with the new name signifying the rebuilding of the temple at a new site. In everyday usage, however, villagers commonly referred to it simply as “Wat Mai” or “Wat Mai Charoenphon” because the name was easier to say and widely understood. Eventually, the authorities officially adopted the name “Wat Mai Charoenphon,” which has remained in use to the present day.

 

Although detailed records of the temple’s early construction are limited, a key figure in the development and prosperity of Wat Mai Charoenphon was Phra Khru Kanchanawisut (Luang Pho Ploen Parisuttho), who served as the longest-residing abbot of the temple. He played a prominent role in constructing monastic buildings, establishing administrative foundations for the Sangha, and transforming Wat Mai Charoenphon into a stable center of religion and community life.

 

Subsequently, following administrative reorganization that established Tha Maka District under Kanchanaburi Province, Wat Mai Charoenphon officially became a temple within Kanchanaburi Province. Since then, the temple has continued to serve as a center for religious practice, education, and community activities, maintaining a close relationship with Tha Ruea Pittayakhom School, which is located on land owned by the temple.

 

Getting There Wat Mai Charoenphon can be conveniently reached via Saeng Chuto Road, the main route connecting Bangkok and Kanchanaburi Province. The temple is well suited for travel by private vehicle and is easily accessible from Kanchanaburi town and nearby areas.

 

 

A: It was originally known as Wat Rat Charoenphon and was located along the Mae Klong River.

 

A: Because the original site was prone to flooding, difficult to access, and located far from the main community.

 

A: The temple was relocated approximately 1–2 kilometers from its original location.

 

A: Phra Khru Kanchanawisut (Luang Pho Ploen Parisuttho).

 

A: The temple is well suited for visitors interested in community history, Buddhism, and cultural tourism.