Wat Thao Uthai is a Buddhist temple under the Mahayana sect, located in Thakradan Subdistrict, Sanam Chai Khet District, Chachoengsao Province. Currently, Phra Athikan Narong Thanawaro is the abbot of the temple.

 

It is believed that Wat Thao Uthai was established during the Dvaravati period, around the 3rd century, based on the discovery of brick and laterite artifacts. According to legend, Thao Uthai was the son of a king (only by the mother), while his father was a deity named Thao Saen Phom (because he had many knots on his body). Thao Uthai traveled with his entourage and people by ship to this location and constructed Buddhist structures. They used kiln-fired clay for making bricks for construction, and this area has been known as Nong It (Brick Pond) ever since. Later, Luang Por Kong, a renowned monk from Wat Champang Nam, requested to establish the temple from the Department of Religious Affairs and was granted the establishment of the temple on June 27, 1973. The temple received the royal monastic boundary (Vissudhi Kammasima) on February 29, 2012.

 

During the reign of King Rama IV, Luang Por Bua renovated and constructed various structures such as stupas, the ordination hall, and other facilities. Evidence of these renovations includes the base of the stupa, the ordination hall, Buddha statues, and other artifacts.

 

Wat Thao Uthai plays a significant role in the local community as a religious center and venue for Buddhist ceremonies. It is also a hub for various community activities, such as merit-making events and important festivals like Visakha Bucha and Khao Phansa, strengthening the connection between the community and religion.

 

Traveling to the temple can be done by taking the route from Sanam Chai Khet District through Thakradan Subdistrict, with clear signage directing to the temple.