Wat Thammaphothisri)

Opening days: Daily

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Wat Had Yang (Wat Thammaphothisri) in Prachinburi has long been the spiritual anchor for the people of Had Yang Subdistrict. More than a religious venue, it is the beating heart of the community—where rituals are performed, faith is nurtured, and everyday life stays closely connected with Buddhist practice.

Wat Thammaphothisri is located at No. 2, Ban Had Yang, Moo 2, Had Yang Subdistrict, Si Maha Phot District, Prachinburi Province. The temple belongs to the Mahanikaya order. It was founded in 1922 (B.E. 2465) and received the Wisungkhamsima boundary in 1939 (B.E. 2482). The grounds cover about 16 rai 3 square wah. The borders are clearly defined: to the north lies the Bang Pakong River, to the south the Prachinburi–Si Maha Phot Road, to the east the village access road, and to the west an irrigation canal.

The abbacy has been passed down through several generations. The current abbot is Phra Khru Thaworn Pothapirak (Thawornthammo), serving since 1998 (B.E. 2541) and also acting as the provincial ecclesiastical officer for Prachinburi. Under his stewardship the temple has been continually restored and developed.

Key structures include the Ubosot (ordination hall), 9 meters wide and 20 meters long, originally built in 1938 (B.E. 2481) and most recently renovated in 2014–2015, with the roof finial consecration presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Adityadhornkitikhun. There is a large preaching hall built in 1967 (B.E. 2510), a vihara completed in 1974 (B.E. 2517), and additional facilities such as a multipurpose pavilion, monks’ residences, a bell tower, and other ancillary buildings.

Sacred objects include the principal Buddha image in the Ubosot in Maravichai posture (51 × 35 inches), the principal image in the preaching hall (35 × 56 inches), the revered “Luang Pho Yai” in the vihara, and a statue of the respected monk Luang Pho Mi Chotratano—figures held in deep veneration by the local community.

Beyond the religious architecture, Wat Had Yang serves as a hub for community life. Annual events such as Buddhist Lent, the end of Lent, the Kathina robe-offering, Phapa, and observance days draw villagers together. The temple also supports social-welfare initiatives and functions as a gathering place where neighbors meet, help one another, and keep local traditions alive.

The surroundings are lush and calming along the Bang Pakong River. People come to rest, make merit, and find quiet. Had Yang Subdistrict still keeps a simple way of life, with local markets and community activities closely linked to the temple throughout the year.

To visit, drive from Prachinburi town toward Si Maha Phot District and turn into Ban Had Yang. For navigation, use GPS coordinates 13.991949, 101.445901. Public transport is possible by bus or van to Si Maha Phot with a short transfer by local taxi. Visitors are advised to check operating times directly with the temple before traveling.

Name	Wat Thammaphothisri (Wat Had Yang)
Location	No. 2, Ban Had Yang, Moo 2, Had Yang Subdistrict, Si Maha Phot District, Prachinburi Province, Thailand
Order	Mahanikaya
Founded	1922 (B.E. 2465)
Wisungkhamsima	1939 (B.E. 2482)
Area	Approx. 16 rai 3 square wah
Boundaries	North: Bang Pakong River / South: Prachinburi–Si Maha Phot Road / East: Village access road / West: Irrigation canal
Key Structures	Ubosot, preaching hall, vihara, multipurpose pavilion, monks’ quarters, bell tower
Sacred Objects	Principal Buddha images, “Luang Pho Yai”, statue of Luang Pho Mi Chotratano
Current Abbot	Phra Khru Thaworn Pothapirak
Travel	Prachinburi → Si Maha Phot → Ban Had Yang (local taxi available)
Contact Number	037-451-416

FAQ
What is the background of Wat Had Yang?
The temple was founded in 1922 and received Wisungkhamsima in 1939. It has served as a key religious and community center in Had Yang Subdistrict, Si Maha Phot District, Prachinburi.

What are the highlights inside the temple?
The Ubosot, vihara, and preaching hall, together with principal Buddha images, “Luang Pho Yai,” and a statue of Luang Pho Mi Chotratano.

What annual events are held?
Buddhist Lent and the end of Lent, Kathina robe-offering, Phapa, observance days, and community programs.

How do I get there?
Drive from Prachinburi to Si Maha Phot and into Ban Had Yang; public transport with a short local taxi transfer is also possible.

Is the temple open every day?
It is generally open daily; however, visitors should confirm operating times directly with the temple as schedules may change due to ceremonies.

Who is the current abbot?
Phra Khru Thaworn Pothapirak, serving since 1998 (B.E. 2541).

Category: ●Places of Worship