Wat Ban Phrao is a local Buddhist temple under the Maha Nikaya order, located in Village No. 5, Ban Phrao Subdistrict, Nakhon Thai District, Phitsanulok Province. The temple sits on a high hill, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere suitable for meditation and merit-making for the local community. Wat Ban Phrao covers an area of approximately 28 rai, with its boundaries adjoining local farmland and residential plots, reflecting a harmonious blend of nature and community. This makes the temple a spiritual and social center for the villagers of Ban Phrao.

 

The temple’s buildings have been constructed and renovated to support various religious activities. The sermon hall measures 12 meters wide and 28 meters long, built in 1981 (B.E. 2524), serving as a venue for religious ceremonies, community meetings, and Dharma learning for villagers and students. The prayer hall, built in 1979 (B.E. 2522), is 5 meters wide and 10 meters long, providing a peaceful space for monks and devotees to chant and meditate.

 

Wat Ban Phrao has four wooden monk residences, reflecting the simplicity and warmth of traditional Thai architecture. The layout of these buildings ensures convenience for religious activities and the daily life of resident monks. Currently, about seven monks reside at the temple, performing religious duties and guiding the community in Buddhist practices.

 

The temple was established around 2011 (B.E. 2554) and named after the village, demonstrating the villagers’ collective effort to create a place for merit-making and community gatherings. Wat Ban Phrao plays an important role in fostering unity and encouraging community participation in preserving Thai culture and traditions.

 

The abbot of Wat Ban Phrao is Phra Athikan Charoen Thancharo, who has served since 1970 (B.E. 2513). He oversees religious activities, temple management, and the construction and maintenance of buildings. His teachings and guidance help villagers practice Buddhism correctly, making Wat Ban Phrao a respected place for both older and younger generations.

 

The surrounding area of the temple is filled with natural scenery, including paddy fields and hills, allowing visitors to experience tranquility and shade. The arrangement of the sermon hall, prayer hall, and monk residences makes Wat Ban Phrao not only a religious center but also a hub for social and cultural activities, including education and community events. This makes the temple an essential spiritual and cultural landmark in Nakhon Thai District, Phitsanulok Province.

 

Visitors to Wat Ban Phrao can participate in merit-making and chanting, observe the monks’ way of life, learn about the temple’s history, and take part in community activities organized by the temple. Wat Ban Phrao thus serves as a significant religious and cultural center in the district.