Wat Nak Watcharasopon

Wat Nak Watcharasopon in Kamphaeng Phet Province is a royal monastery of great significance in terms of history, art, and Buddhism. Originally, the temple was called Wat Chang, established during the Sukhothai period after the 19th Buddhist century. It is regarded as an ancient temple with a long history spanning several centuries. Later, it was abandoned for around 400–500 years until 1966, when Phra Vichai Pussanno came on a forest-dwelling pilgrimage and stayed near the ancient stupa. He practiced meditation and continuously taught Buddhism to the local people, gaining deep faith and reverence from the community.

 

Later, devotees such as Sergeant Major Sak and Mrs. Sangwian Dechanon donated land for the construction of the temple. Additional land was subsequently offered by other faithful donors, providing the monastery with a permanent location. Religious buildings, residences, and facilities were gradually established to support Buddhist learning and monastic practices.

 

In 1968, a formal request was submitted to establish the temple, and construction of the ordination hall (ubosot) began under the patronage of Phra Ratchamuni Hom Sophono from Wat Pathumwanaram, Bangkok. A Dharma Hall was also constructed in commemoration of the Supreme Patriarch. In 1970, Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chuan Uthayee Maha Thera from Wat Bowonniwet Vihara presided over the consecration ceremony of the ubosot and bestowed the new name, Wat Nak Watcharasopon. Later, in 1996, the temple was elevated to the status of a third-class royal monastery.

 

Wat Nak Watcharasopon is located at Ban Rai Sopan, Village No. 2, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang Kamphaeng Phet District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, covering an area of over 80 rai (about 32 acres). Within the temple grounds, important historical and artistic heritage remains preserved, especially the ancient stupa of Wat Chang. The main bell-shaped stupa sits on a square base, decorated with 18 stucco elephant figures around its lower section, symbolizing stability and the protection of Buddhism. The architecture represents a blend of Lopburi art with Sukhothai influences.

 

The ordination hall is a reinforced concrete building designed with elegance. Its two-tiered roof is covered with colorful glazed tiles, adorned with traditional gable apex (chofa), bargeboards (bai raka), and finials (hang hong). The gable is finely decorated with elaborate stucco patterns. A sacred wall surrounds the ubosot, enhancing its solemnity. Inside, a bronze Buddha image in the U-Thong style is enshrined, a masterpiece of great artistic and spiritual value.

 

Another important structure is the Phutthasapha Vihara, also made of reinforced concrete with a two-tiered roof, decorated with chofa, bai raka, and hang hong. Inside, a bronze Sukhothai-style Buddha image is enshrined in a serene posture. The Phra Phraiphinihas Vihara, with similar architectural design, houses the revered Phra Phraiphinihas Buddha image, symbolizing the dispelling of dangers and triumph over obstacles, deeply respected by devotees.

 

Today, Wat Nak Watcharasopon serves as a spiritual center for people in Mueang Kamphaeng Phet District and neighboring provinces. Major Buddhist ceremonies, such as Visakha Bucha, Magha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, Buddhist Lent, and End of Lent, are regularly held here. The temple also offers opportunities for meditation and dhamma practice, allowing laypeople to cultivate mindfulness and wisdom.

 

From a tourism perspective, Wat Nak Watcharasopon is an important cultural attraction in Kamphaeng Phet. Visitors can pay homage to sacred Buddha images, admire the rare and beautiful ancient stupa of Wat Chang, and make offerings to Phra Phraiphinihas for blessings. The temple’s peaceful and shaded atmosphere also makes it an ideal place for meditation and spiritual practice.

 

Wat Nak Watcharasopon is therefore not only a place of Buddhist faith but also a center of historical and artistic learning. It stands as a significant cultural tourism destination that beautifully reflects the revival and continuity of Buddhism in Kamphaeng Phet.