Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen

Step into the world of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen (known for his other names such as Wat Pak Nam or Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen), the swanky royal wat that’s making waves in the heart of Bangkok’s Phasi Charoen district, right along the majestic Chao Phraya River.

This temple is not your run-of-the-mill holy haven; it’s the hipster hub of the spiritual scene!

History

Back in the day, way back in 1610, during the Ayutthaya era, this place was all the rage, basking in the glory of royal support from Thai monarchs.

But as time passed, it hit a rough patch, falling into such disrepair that even cobwebs had cobwebs.

Then, in a plot twist that Netflix would envy, the temple made an epic comeback under the reign of the meditation known master, Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro.

This guy knew how to rock the monk robe.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the temple became the center of a Thai soap opera when Somdet Chuang Varapuñño took over as abbot.

He was on the verge of becoming the Supreme Patriarch (the big cheese of the Thai monastic community), but politics swooped in like a meddling mother-in-law at a wedding.

The appointment was stalled and withdrawn, causing more drama than a reality TV show.

Tax fraud allegations flew like confetti, but it turned out they were just paper tigers.

Practices & propagation

Enough with the drama! Wat Paknam isn’t just about intrigue; it’s also about heart.

The temple is a beacon of charity and a nationwide campaign to spread the five precepts throughout Thai society.

Nuns (Mae Chi) love hanging out here because it’s where the cool kids pray.

Wat Paknam’s Giant Buddha

But wait, there’s more! In 2021, they unveiled a colossal bronze Buddha statue called “The Phra Buddha Dhammakāya Thepmongkhon.”

This shiny dude now stands tall and proud before the stupa, watching over the city like a zen guardian angel. It’s such a big deal that even the folks on the BTS can’t miss it.

This statue has turned Wat Paknam into the hottest tourist spot in town and a great Instagram location.

Move over, Eiffel Tower; there’s a new kid in town!

Attraction	Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen
Location	Phasi Charoen district, Bangkok, Thailand
Founded	1610 (Ayutthaya period)
Revival Period	Early 20th century
Current Abbot	Somdet Chuang Varapuñño (until 2021)
Notable Feature	“The Phra Buddha Dhammakāya Thepmongkhon” bronze statue
Fame	Popular for charity and spreading the five precepts
Specialty	Attracts mae chi (nuns)
Tourist Attraction	Yes, thanks to the bronze Buddha statue
Visibility	Easily seen from the BTS
Impact	Doubled the number of visitors to Wat Paknam
Notable Events	Controversy surrounding the Supreme Patriarch’s appointment
Other Features	Located along the Chao Phraya River

What is Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen in Thai language?

In Thai, Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is วัดปากน้ำภาษีเจริญ (Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen).

How much does it cost to go to Wat Paknam Temple?

Entrance to Wat Paknam Temple is free.

How to get to Wat Paknam?

To reach Wat Paknam, you can take a taxi, use a ride-sharing service, or utilize public transportation like the BTS (Skytrain) or buses, depending on your location in Bangkok.

The easiest way is to use the BTS and arrive at Wutthakat Station.

You can also take the MRT to Bang Phai, but please notice it’s a walking distance from the temple, around 15 minutes.

Wat Paknam is situated in the Phasi Charoen district along the Chao Phraya River, making it accessible by various means of transportation.