Wat Lam Maha Mek

Rating: 3.7/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: Generally open all day

 

Wat Lam Maha Mek is a local Buddhist temple under the Maha Nikaya sect, located in Bueng Ngern Subdistrict, Lat Lum Kaeo District, Pathum Thani Province. The temple sits near a natural canal known as “Lam Maha Mek,” an area rich in biodiversity and home to various bird species such as egrets, herons, and cormorants. This natural setting creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making the temple an ideal place for merit-making, meditation, and experiencing traditional community life.

 

The temple was established around 1914 by local villagers who settled in the eastern forest area of Krathum Muet. Initially, the temple was located at the end of Khlong Bang Luang Wai Phra and was known as “Wat Mai Plai Khlong Bang Luang.” It was built on land owned by Mr. Chan Bua Farang. Later, due to land disputes, Phra Ajarn Chaem, a Mon monk who led the community at that time, relocated the temple to its current site on land owned by Mr. Chan and Mrs. Chin Yam Yuen. The temple was then renamed “Wat Ratsatthatham” before finally becoming “Wat Lam Maha Mek” in 1924, named after the nearby natural canal.

 

Wat Lam Maha Mek received its royal boundary charter on January 4, 1941, officially establishing its status as a recognized Buddhist temple. The temple features several important structures, including a traditional Thai-style ubosot housing a principal Buddha image in the Mara Vichai posture with a lap width of 59 inches. Another highlight is the four-faced pavilion (mondop) that enshrines Phra Si Ariya Metteyya, locally known as Luang Por Sri Ari, a highly revered sacred image.

 

The temple also features a Mon-style chedi dedicated to revered monks, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Mon community in the area. Other structures include a sermon hall, monks’ residences, a bell tower, and crematorium facilities. These elements make the temple not only a place of worship but also a central hub of community life.

 

The local community around Wat Lam Maha Mek is predominantly of Mon descent, preserving unique traditions that blend Thai and Mon cultural practices. During the Songkran festival, traditional ceremonies such as hair-cutting rituals and rice-blessing ceremonies are held. There is also a notable Mon-style caramel cooking festival, which is one of the largest in Pathum Thani Province, with proceeds used for temple restoration. Additionally, during Buddhist Lent, the temple hosts a honey offering ceremony, which continues to be practiced annually.

 

The temple has had a succession of abbots since its establishment. The current abbot is Phra Khru Pairoj Sarakhun (Suthep Kunangkaro), who plays a vital role in maintaining the temple and supporting religious activities within the community.

 

The atmosphere of the temple is tranquil and surrounded by nature, making it suitable for meditation and relaxation. It also reflects the traditional lifestyle and cultural identity of the local Mon community. For travelers interested in cultural tourism in Pathum Thani, Wat Lam Maha Mek is a meaningful destination worth visiting.

 

Getting There Visitors can reach the temple via Lat Lum Kaeo Road toward Bueng Ngern Subdistrict, then continue into the Khlong Bang Luang Wai Phra area. The temple is accessible mainly by private car, with local transportation available within the district.

 

 

A: It is located in Bueng Ngern Subdistrict, Lat Lum Kaeo District, Pathum Thani Province.

 

A: Around 1914.

 

A: Its Mon cultural heritage and sacred Buddha images.

 

A: Mon caramel cooking, rice blessing rituals, and honey offerings.

 

A: Travel via Lat Lum Kaeo Road into Bueng Ngern Subdistrict.