Wat Rat Sattha Tham (Wat Pak Khwae)

Wat Rat Sattha Tham, also known as Wat Pak Khwae, is a third-class royal temple of ordinary rank under the Maha Nikaya sect, located in Si Nakhon Subdistrict, Si Nakhon District, Sukhothai Province. The temple holds significant religious and cultural importance for the local community, with a long history and serving as a spiritual center for the villagers. Originally, it was called Wat Khlong Phlab or Wat Khlong Ma Phlab, named after the area’s characteristic meandering canal. Construction of the temple began in 1919 (B.E. 2462), led by Mr. Phaen Phimthong, Mr. Net Khukhrong, and Mr. Khian Thim-em, who guided the villagers to build the temple on a plot of 23 rai, 2 ngan, and 48 square wah. The temple was granted a sacred boundary (wisungkhamasima) on July 5, 1930 (B.E. 2473), with dimensions of 80 meters wide and 120 meters long. It was elevated to the status of a third-class royal temple of ordinary rank on May 29, 2012 (B.E. 2555).

 

The temple houses several important structures, including the ubosot (ordination hall) constructed in 1968 (B.E. 2511), the sermon hall, and the Viharn of Luang Pho La, the temple’s first abbot. It is also home to Mahapinitjodom Pracharangsawan School for Buddhist studies, which offers two main programs: the Dhamma program, comprising three levels—Nak Tham Tri, Nak Tham Tho, and Nak Tham Ek—and the Pali program, which includes Pali Grammar, Pali Tri-Exam (Phra Anusorn levels 1–2 and Phra Dhamma 3), and Pali Tho-Exam (Phra Dhamma levels 4–6). On April 18, 2008 (B.E. 2551), Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the school building, an event that brought pride and honor to the local community.

 

Wat Rat Sattha Tham (Wat Pak Khwae) has had several abbots over time. The first abbot was Luang Pho La Nontipanyo, who served from 1924–1946 (B.E. 2467–2489). He was succeeded by Acting Abbots Phra Ajahn Jek Sujitto (1946–1947), Phra Ajahn La Plwad (1948–1951), Phra Ajahn Sanga Khantasidon (1952–1958), and Phra Ajahn Suprom Surapanyo-si (1958–1963). The second abbot, Phra Khru Suthamphinit, served from 1963–2001, followed by Phra Ratchawimonmethee (Boonroj Chandapanyo), the third abbot, from 2001–2019. Currently, Phra Wachiraphipat (Suwan Santajitto) serves as the abbot, continuing to manage the temple and promote Buddhist activities.

 

Wat Rat Sattha Tham (Wat Pak Khwae) serves not only as a place for religious ceremonies and Buddhist education but also as a hub for community activities, including daily merit-making and Buddhist festivals such as Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, and Magha Bucha, in which monks and villagers participate continuously. The temple is also a center for learning about local history and culture. For those interested in Buddhism and community life, Wat Rat Sattha Tham (Wat Pak Khwae) provides knowledge, understanding, and inspiration for preserving Thai religion and culture sustainably.