Wat Pa Tong Wanaram is located at No. 229, Ban Patong, Chanthaburi-Sa Kaeo Road, Village No. 5, Sai Khao Subdistrict, Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi Province. The temple is affiliated with the Mahanikaya order of Thai Buddhism and occupies a total area of 17 rai, 2 ngan, and 35 square wah. The temple complex includes several significant structures. The ubosot (ordination hall) measures 24.90 meters in width and 46.25 meters in length, built in 1981 using reinforced concrete to ensure durability and resilience against the elements over time.

 

The sermon hall (sala kan parien) measures 15 meters wide and 43 meters long, constructed in 1972 as a two-story wooden building that reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of that era. The monk residences consist of four buildings: two entirely wooden structures, one half-brick half-wood, and one fully brick building. The viharn (assembly hall) measures 9.50 meters wide and 14.44 meters long, built in 1991 with reinforced concrete for strength, and there is one cremation hall also constructed with reinforced concrete.

 

Wat Pa Tong Wanaram houses several important religious artifacts. The principal Buddha image in the ubosot has a width of 71 inches across the lap. The sermon hall contains three principal Buddha images with widths of 28 inches, 31 inches, and 52 inches, while the viharn holds two Buddha images with lap widths of 69 inches, and one additional Buddha image measuring 68 inches, enshrined in a mandapam. These sacred images reflect the dedication to creating a complete and aesthetically refined place of worship.

 

The temple was established on November 26, 1976. The land for the temple was donated by Mr. Sam and Mrs. Sengiem Daorueang, Mr. Luang and Mrs. La-or Daorueang, Mr. Kluean and Mrs. Jam Phoklan, and Mr. Boon and Mrs. Am. The construction was led by Phra Kru Wiriya Kit Sunthorn, who invited local villagers from Ban Patong and nearby areas to contribute funds for the temple buildings. The development and renovation of the temple have continued to the present day with strong support from the local community.

 

Wat Pa Tong Wanaram was granted the royal Sangha boundary (Wisungkhamasima) on June 23, 1982, with the boundary measuring 20 meters in width and 40 meters in length. This official recognition allows the temple to conduct religious activities in accordance with Thai law. The temple has had a succession of abbots, including Phra Kru Wiriya Kit Sunthorn, who served from 1976 to 1998, and Phra Phalad Prajak Prisuttho, who has served from 1999 to the present.

 

In terms of education, Wat Pa Tong Wanaram established a Dhamma school (Phra Pariyatti Tham Department) in 1990 to provide young people and interested individuals with the opportunity to study Buddhist teachings and practice meditation. This educational initiative makes the temple not only a center for religious ceremonies but also a hub for learning and personal spiritual development within the community.

 

Therefore, Wat Pa Tong Wanaram stands as a significant religious and cultural center for Ban Patong and surrounding areas. Its clear historical background, well-constructed buildings, valuable sacred artifacts, and commitment to education and the dissemination of Buddhist teachings make the temple both a place for meditation practice and an attractive cultural tourism destination for visitors to Chanthaburi Province.