Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is a major Theravada Buddhist temple located on Khlong Dan (Khlong Bangkok Yai) in Phasi Charoen District, Bangkok. Founded in the Ayutthaya period in 1610, it is renowned for its 69-metre seated Buddha statue, the five-storey Maharatchamongkhon Stupa with a glass pagoda and museum, and its association with meditation master Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro. The temple remains an active religious, educational and meditation centre.

Visitors can expect a large active temple complex along the canal with landscaped grounds, traditional Thai temple buildings, and modern structures. Key areas include the riverside grounds, the 69-metre seated Buddha image (Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thep Mongkhon), the five-storey Maharatchamongkhon Stupa with its emerald glass pagoda on the top floor, museum and exhibition halls displaying Buddhist art and relics, and meditation halls. The atmosphere is that of a working monastery with monks, worshippers and visitors.

Founded in 1610 during the mid-Ayutthaya period, Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen was restored and developed as a major meditation centre in 1916 when Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamongkhon (Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro) became abbot. He established the temple as a centre for Dhammakaya meditation and Pali studies. The temple has undergone major expansions including the Maharatchamongkhon Stupa built to honour the monarchy and the large seated Buddha completed in 2021.

A significant Theravada Buddhist temple and meditation centre revered for its association with Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro, founder of the Dhammakaya meditation tradition. It serves as an active place of worship, merit-making, Buddhist education and meditation practice, housing Buddha relics and sacred images venerated by devotees.