Wat Wang Ruen

Wat Bang Bon Suttharam, commonly known by the local community as Wat Wang Ruen, is a local temple located at No. 117, Moo 5, Ban Wang Ruen, Tha Bang Mueang Subdistrict, Wang Ngiu Tai District, Phichit Province. The temple belongs to the Mahanikaya order and is classified as a local monastic center. It was established in 1925 (B.E. 2468) and has played an important role in both religion and culture for the surrounding community. The temple also serves as a subdistrict training unit (A.P.T.) and is situated on a hill, covering a total area of 14 rai, 2 ngan, and 50 square wah.

 

The boundaries of the temple are clearly defined: to the north, it stretches 165 meters adjoining Wang Ruen Hill; to the south, 160 meters along the Bang Mun Nak–Dong Khayu Road No. 1069; to the east, 65 meters bordering the Koten cemetery; and to the west, 110 meters adjoining a public road. The temple holds land ownership documented under title deed No. 6459.

 

Within the temple, there are several significant religious artifacts, including a replica of the Buddha’s footprint located atop Wang Ruen Hill, a cement Buddha statue called Luang Pho Khao with a width of 4.75 meters and a height of 11 meters situated in the middle of the hill, and a replica of Phra Chinnarat with an 84-inch base, which is continuously revered by the local community.

 

The temple’s buildings include several important structures: a sermon hall measuring 27 by 43 meters, built in 1989 (B.E. 2532); three monk’s quarters in two-story Thai-style buildings each 5 by 18 meters; a prayer hall measuring 11 by 15 meters; a crematorium built in 1968 (B.E. 2511); and a restroom building with 28 units built in 1981 (B.E. 2524). The temple is managed systematically while preserving traditional Thai customs continuously.

 

The current abbot of Wat Wang Ruen is Phra Kru Phisai Suwannabapphot, monastic title Attathanto, surname Bhesri, who has served since March 20, 1996 (B.E. 2539) and holds a bachelor’s degree. In the past, the temple had four abbots: Phra Athikan Bang, Phra Athikan Hom (Attakamo), Phra Athikan Chaisit (Chakkavaro), and the current abbot Phra Kru Phisai Suwannabapphot. Each abbot has contributed to the care and preservation of the temple and its traditions.

 

Currently, the temple has three resident monks. The temple administrator is Mr. Neves Boon, and the community leader is Mr. Wisit Phothiwatta. Wat Wang Ruen continues to serve as a spiritual, educational, and cultural center for the community. People can visit to pay respects, make merit, participate in Buddhist ceremonies, and admire the religious artifacts and temple buildings that fully reflect local life and culture.