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Wat Intaram, commonly known among local residents as “Wat Nong Khao”, is a local Buddhist temple under the Maha Nikaya order. It is located in Nong Khao Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province. The temple occupies a large area and has long played a vital role in the religious life, historical continuity, and educational development of the Nong Khao community.

 

Wat Intaram was established in 1777 (2320 B.E.), during the early Rattanakosin period, a time when Thai society was undergoing reconstruction and religious restoration following major historical transitions. The temple was granted Wisungkhamsima (royal boundary for ordination) on August 30, 1977, reflecting its formal recognition as an important and stable religious institution within the local community.

 

Historically, Nong Khao Subdistrict was an agriculturally rich settlement. Wat Intaram therefore served not only as a place for religious ceremonies but also as a center for learning, cultural transmission, and communal gathering. The temple and the villagers’ way of life have remained closely connected and mutually supportive across generations.

 

The temple complex contains several significant religious structures. The most prominent is the Viharn of Phra Pa Lelai, which is believed to have been reconstructed on the remains of an earlier viharn. Inside stands a large Pa Lelai Buddha image, respectfully known by locals as “Luang Pu Lelai”. The statue measures approximately 2 meters in lap width and 7.5 meters in height, crafted in traditional stucco with a bamboo core.

 

Surrounding the viharn are statues of former abbots, symbolizing gratitude and remembrance of monks who contributed to the temple’s development. On both the left and right sides at the front of the viharn stand two brick-and-mortar bell towers, each designed as a small mandapa-style structure with entrances on all four sides. The upper sections are formed as square, indented stupas.

 

The temple grounds also include three stupas, two of which are located east of the ordination hall, as well as a sermon hall constructed in 1952 (2495 B.E.), used for religious ceremonies, Dhamma teachings, and community activities. Additionally, rows of brick-and-plaster monk residences are arranged in an orderly manner, reflecting systematic spatial management within the temple.

 

Another architecturally significant structure is the white prang (tower), representing late Ayutthaya to early Rattanakosin artistic styles. The prang features a corn-cob-shaped form with a three-tiered stepped base. Stairways lead to the second tier from the north and south. Above rises a lotus-base platform with four layers of lotus moldings. The central tower has niches on all four sides, adorned with stucco naga motifs. The spire consists of seven stacked tiers, crowned with a dome-shaped lotus finial and a metal spire at the top.

 

Within the temple grounds is also the Nong Khao Community Museum, which exhibits the history of Nong Khao Subdistrict, books, and local knowledge. This space serves as an educational resource for residents, youth, and visitors, complemented by traditional Thai-style houses that reflect local architectural wisdom.

 

On January 1, 2020, Phra Khru Samuh Somphot Intaviriyo, Ph.D., was appointed abbot of Wat Intaram (Nong Khao). Since then, he has overseen extensive restoration of major structures, including the ordination hall, funeral pavilion, and sermon hall, while also improving the overall landscape to enhance orderliness, aesthetics, and functionality.

 

The abbot places strong emphasis on transparent temple administration and actively supports monastic education in Dhamma studies, Pali studies, and higher education at Buddhist colleges. As a result, Wat Intaram has gained recognition at both provincial and regional ecclesiastical levels.

 

In 2021 (2564 B.E.), Wat Intaram was selected as a model development temple and officially designated as Kanchanaburi Provincial Meditation Center No. 39. In 2022 (2565 B.E.), the temple held the ceremonial installation of the chofa (gable finial) on the sermon hall and was chosen to host the “Village Upholding the Five Precepts” program. Following evaluation by the central ecclesiastical committee, the temple received an Outstanding Performance Award at the regional level (Region 14) at Wat Rai Khing.

 

Getting There Wat Intaram is located in Nong Khao Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, and can be conveniently reached by car from Kanchanaburi town. Parking is available within the temple grounds. Visitors are advised to dress modestly and observe temple regulations.

 

 

A: It is located in Nong Khao Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province.

 

A: The temple was established in 1777 (2320 B.E.).

 

A: He is the revered Pa Lelai Buddha image enshrined within the temple’s viharn.

 

A: Yes. It is officially designated as Kanchanaburi Provincial Meditation Center No. 39.

 

A: It is ideal for religious tourism, historical learning, and meditation practice.