Wat Khao Bot, located in Moo 1, Kamnoet Nopphakhun Subdistrict, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, is a third-class royal temple under the Maha Nikaya order. Originally established in 1897, the exact founder remains unknown, but the temple's enduring history and significant role in spreading Buddhism in the region reflect the community's longstanding faith.

 

The first abbot of Wat Khao Bot was Phra Khru In (Luang Pu In), who passed away in 1907. In 1908, local villagers invited Phra Thuam Thammaso from Wat Thung Maprao to serve as abbot. Phra Thuam led the development of the temple, constructing the ordination hall, sermon hall, and other facilities, strengthening the temple as a key Buddhist hub for the community. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with the title "Phra Khru Silawimon" and later served as the district’s ecclesiastical head until his passing in 1984.

 

After his passing, the community invited Phra Maha Boontuan Sirithammo from Wat Khlong Wan to become abbot in 1986. He expanded the temple by building additional structures, including a hall housing a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, a Dharma school building, a memorial hall for Phra Khru Silawimon, and a bell tower. Additionally, he established a meditation building to welcome students, government officials, and community members for practice on Buddhist holy days and other important occasions.

 

In 1987, Wat Khao Bot was selected as a model temple and received an award for excellence in 1990. In 1994, it was elevated to royal temple status. Under Phra Sitthiyanmuni, the temple further developed its activities for social welfare, including funding the construction of community halls, providing scholarships, and supporting disaster relief efforts.

 

The temple sits on a 28-rai (about 4.5-hectare) plot adjacent to important community institutions in Bang Saphan District, including 27 rai of additional temple-owned land. Bordered by the district office to the north, the Bang Krachong Canal to the east, and the local market to the west, it serves as a focal point for both religious and community activities. The temple received its royal boundary certification on January 12, 1978, covering an area 40 meters wide and 80 meters long. Due to its central location, Wat Khao Bot facilitates regular Buddhist events and Sunday learning activities for local youth.

 

Cultural and Social Contributions of Wat Khao Bot Beyond religious observances, Wat Khao Bot actively preserves and promotes various aspects of Thai culture, such as:

 

Observing Buddhist Holy Days: During significant Buddhist days like Magha Puja, Visakha Puja, and Asalha Puja, the temple holds religious ceremonies where locals gather to make merit, offer alms, participate in candlelit processions, and listen to sermons, fostering community unity.

 

Meditation on Buddhist Sabbaths: The temple opens its doors for meditation practice, particularly on the weekly Buddhist Sabbath, encouraging spiritual growth in line with Buddhist teachings. Programs for youth are also organized, helping them learn and embrace ethical values from a young age.

 

Sunday Buddhist Education for Youth: Regular Sunday classes introduce local youth to basic Buddhist principles, grounding them in cultural and moral values rooted in Buddhism, nurturing both understanding and appreciation for Thailand’s heritage.

 

Promotion of Thai Art and Music: The temple funds Thai music education for nearby schools and communities and hosts cultural performances during important religious and community festivals, preserving Thai art and instilling pride in traditional cultural expressions.

 

Community Educational and Social Support: Wat Khao Bot has contributed to local schools by building community-use pavilions, setting up libraries, and providing scholarships, creating a supportive educational environment for local children.

 

Hosting Traditional Community Festivals: The temple organizes local traditional events, such as celebrations for the beginning and end of Buddhist Lent, providing opportunities for community bonding and reinforcing local customs.

 

Wat Khao Bot, in addition to serving as a center for religious practices, plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Thai culture. Amidst societal changes and cultural integration, Wat Khao Bot has retained and safeguarded its distinctive heritage, making it a valuable source of knowledge and a readily accessible site for meditation and community engagement.

 

Through its support for religious, cultural, educational, and community service activities, Wat Khao Bot continues to be widely respected by Buddhists in Prachuap Khiri Khan, embodying a positive role in the local community and Thai society.