Wat Ton So

Wat Ton So, formerly known as Wat Thai Nong Yang Kai, Wat Si Mueang Mun, or Wat Ban Kat Mae Hao, is located at No. 223, Village No. 3, Hang Chat Subdistrict, Hang Chat District, Lampang Province 52190. It is affiliated with the Maha Nikaya monastic order.

 

The temple was established in 1857. In the past, the area where the temple now stands was a forest filled with ton so trees, located in the center of the village. Therefore, the local villagers named the temple “Wat Ton So” to match the natural setting. It is an ancient temple with a long history and houses numerous historical structures and artifacts.

 

Some of the artifacts are several centuries old. For example, there is an ancient scripture chest that has been officially registered with the Fine Arts Department, a traditional pulpit, and scriptures written during the reign of King Rama IV. Additionally, the temple has several Buddha images carved from sacred wood. These artifacts are preserved in the Tripitaka Hall. However, due to space limitations and a lack of specialized knowledge in proper preservation, some items have been damaged and lost their value over time.

 

Wat Ton So was officially granted the wisungkhamsima (sacred boundary for ordination ceremonies) on July 9, 2009, and the boundary stone burial ceremony (fang luk nimit) was held on February 22, 2010.

 

The temple grounds are approximately 1 sen 10 wa to the north and south, and 1 sen 7 wa to the east and west, all bordering temple land. The total land area is 12 rai, 2 ngan, and 42 square wah.

 

Buildings within the temple include a sermon hall, a vihara, an ordination hall, a bell tower, two monks’ residences, and a Tripitaka Hall. Sacred objects within the temple include wooden Buddha images, brass Buddha statues, bronze Buddha images, and Buddha images made of brick and mortar. There is also an ancient stupa on the temple grounds.

 

Locals commonly refer to the temple as “Ton So” (Mae Hao). The known abbots and acting abbots of the temple are as follows: Chao Athikan Kham (Kruba Kham Luang), 1857 to 1868; Chao Athikan Wong (Kruba Wong Phutthawongsa), 1886 to 1927; Chao Athikan Chuen Khanthawango (Kruba Chuen), 1927 to 1972; Phra Chanta Thipathammo, acting abbot from 1982 to 1996; and Phra Thongsuk Suwanno, acting abbot from 1997 to the present.