Wat Tha Khum Ngoen

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Open as a Buddhist temple for merit-making and visits

 

Wat Tha Khum Ngoen is an old community temple in Moo 1, Ban Tha Khum Ngoen, Tha Khum Ngoen Subdistrict, Mae Tha District, Lamphun Province. Affiliated with the Mahanikaya Buddhist order, the temple was founded through the collective faith of local villagers who wanted a Buddhist temple closer to their community. In the past, villagers had to cross the Mae Tha River to make merit at Wat Doi Tae, which was far from the village and located on the opposite side of the river. During the flood season, the journey became difficult, so the community built a temple in their own village.

 

The temple occupies 7 rai, 2 ngan and 72 square wah. Official temple history records its establishment in 1835, while local temple history also refers to an earlier origin in 1666. These layers of historical memory show that Wat Tha Khum Ngoen has long been connected with the religious life of the community and has served as a Buddhist center for local residents for many generations.

 

The story of Wat Tha Khum Ngoen reflects the close relationship between Buddhism, community life and the Mae Tha River. The river was part of the local landscape, but it also created difficulty for villagers who wished to make merit. Building a temple in the village was therefore both a practical and spiritual decision, allowing Buddhist practice to become more accessible to the local community.

 

Wat Tha Khum Ngoen received its royal consecrated boundary, or Wisungkhamsima, on February 13, 1979. This recognition is important because it allows the temple to conduct formal monastic ceremonies within its consecrated area. It also confirms the temple’s role as a proper religious institution for the community.

 

The temple’s line of abbots reflects its long development. Known abbots include Phra Duang, Phra Puan, Phra Tan, Phra Yun, Phra Maha Aran, Phra Yuang Kham and Phra Boonchu Khanthitharo. The current abbot is Phra Khru Phairoj Sutthirak (Sutthisaddho). This continuity shows how the temple has been maintained across generations of monks and local devotees.

 

Today, Wat Tha Khum Ngoen remains a meaningful community temple in Mae Tha District. It is suitable for visitors who wish to make merit, learn about local history and understand how temples in rural Lamphun developed in response to the needs of villagers and the landscape around them.

 

Getting There is convenient by private car or rental vehicle. From Lamphun city, travel toward Mae Tha District and continue to Tha Khum Ngoen Subdistrict. The temple can be combined with nearby cultural and nature-based attractions such as Wat Tham Chom Tham, Wat Mon Chom Tham, Cham Ma Fa Cave, Ban Ton Bun and Richa Farm.

 

 

A: Wat Tha Khum Ngoen is located in Moo 1, Ban Tha Khum Ngoen, Tha Khum Ngoen Subdistrict, Mae Tha District, Lamphun Province.

 

A: The temple was established in 1835, while local temple history also refers to an earlier origin in 1666.

 

A: It was built because villagers had to cross the Mae Tha River to make merit at Wat Doi Tae, which became difficult during the rainy season.

 

A: It received its royal consecrated boundary on February 13, 1979.

 

A: The current abbot is Phra Khru Phairoj Sutthirak (Sutthisaddho).

 

A: It is suitable for merit-making, learning about local temple history and exploring community-based cultural sites in Mae Tha District.

 

A: Nearby places include Wat Tham Chom Tham, Wat Mon Chom Tham, Cham Ma Fa Cave, Ban Ton Bun and Richa Farm.