Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple

The Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, also known as Wat Chetawan, is a Theravada Buddhist temple located in Section 10, Petaling Jaya, Petaling District, Selangor. Built between 1957 and 1962 in traditional Thai architectural style, it is one of the largest and most prominent Thai Buddhist temples in Malaysia. Notable for its ornate gilded roofs, colorful murals, and large Buddha statues, it serves as a religious and cultural centre for the Thai community.

Visitors can expect a compound with Thai-style architecture featuring multi-tiered roofs with golden chofah decorations, an ornate main prayer hall (ubosot), large standing and reclining Buddha images, wall murals depicting the life of the Buddha, and landscaped grounds with smaller shrines and statues. The interior is decorated with gold detailing and religious art. The setting is calm and orderly within an urban residential area, with areas for prayer, meditation and cultural observation.

Constructed between 1957 and 1962 on land allocated by the Selangor state government for the Thai Buddhist community in Malaya. Built in traditional Thai style with support from Thai and Malaysian devotees and the Thai government, it was officially inaugurated in 1962 by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. It remains one of the earliest and largest Thai temples established in Malaysia after independence.

Serves as the principal Thai Theravada Buddhist temple for the Thai community in the Klang Valley and as a centre for Buddhist religious practice, meditation, and cultural festivals including Vesak Day, Asalha Bucha and Songkran. It reflects Thai-Malaysian cultural ties and showcases Thai religious art and architecture for visitors.