Wat Tha Mai

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: Approximately 06:00 – 18:00 (some areas and certain rituals continue into the evening)

 

Wat Tha Mai, Samut Sakhon is a highly well-known temple in Krathum Baen District and is widely recognized across Thailand as one of the country’s prominent faith-based temples. It is popular for merit-making, worship, and fortune-enhancing rituals. The temple is located in Moo 11, Ban Kong Si Long, Tha Mai Subdistrict, Samut Sakhon Province, on an area of about 26 rai near the Tha Chin River, which creates a peaceful, shady atmosphere suitable for meditation, religious practice, and mental relaxation.

 

Wat Tha Mai began as a monastic residence known as “Phothithamrangsi” before being officially established as a temple in 1989 and receiving royal consecrated boundary status in 1994. At present, the abbot is Phra Yanvikrom (Uthen Sirisaro), who has played an important role in developing the temple into a major spiritual center in the modern era.

 

What makes Wat Tha Mai stand out is its role as a center of multiple forms of belief, including Buddhist, Brahmanical, and local folk traditions. Many visitors come here to worship Rahu, Ganesha, Brahma, Indra, Guan Yin, and Mae Ta Khian, as well as to take part in rituals such as zodiac-year conflict resolution, fortune enhancement, merit extension, and fortune reading. These activities clearly reflect the spiritual needs and beliefs of people in contemporary Thai society.

 

Inside the temple grounds is an ordination hall that houses a Buddha image in the Chinarat posture with a lap width of 69 inches, along with Buddha images in the Chiang Saen, Sukhothai, and U Thong artistic styles. There is also a Buddhist history garden beneath a sacred Bodhi tree by the river, as well as a Chinese-style statue of Phra Maha Kaccayana, both of which are popular places for visitors to pay respect and seek blessings.

 

Another distinctive feature of Wat Tha Mai is the temple’s white and yellow stickers marked with the words “Wat Tha Mai.” These serve as symbols for those who come to practice Dhamma and make merit. Yellow stickers are generally used by those observing precepts, while white stickers are used by general worshippers. They have become one of the temple’s recognizable visual identities.

 

The overall atmosphere of the temple is open and welcoming, accommodating both those who wish to seriously practice meditation and those who simply want to rest their minds, pray for blessings, or strengthen their emotional well-being. This has made Wat Tha Mai one of Thailand’s most popular destinations for both merit-making visitors and spiritually minded travelers.

 

Travel Information Wat Tha Mai can be reached via Phetkasem Road or Setthakit Road toward Krathum Baen District, then continue into Tha Mai Subdistrict. The temple is not far from the main road, and traveling by private car is the most convenient option.

 

 

A: It is well known for blessing rituals, fortune enhancement, and zodiac-year conflict resolution ceremonies.

 

A: Yes, it is open daily with no regular closing day.

 

A: In general, it is open from about 06:00 to 18:00.

 

A: There is no entrance fee. Visitors can make merit through voluntary donations.

 

A: Yes. It is very convenient to reach, especially by private car.