About Wat Pan Prasit Aram
Wat Pan Prasit Aram (Wat Pikka) is located in Khlong Dan Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province. It was originally called Wat Pikka because it stands beside Khlong Pikka. According to local tales, crows once came to steal salted meat, so villagers called the area “Ban Pikka” (Crow-Wing Village). The temple was founded on 19 May 1932 on land the villagers offered to Luang Phor Pan. It was later built up under Ajarn Thongkham as abbot, and in 1956 it was renamed “Wat Pan Prasit Aram” in memory of Luang Phor Pan.
History of the temple
Wat Pan Prasit Aram, known to locals as Wat Pikka, is located in Moo 1, Khlong Dan Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province. It was first named Wat Pikka because it stands near a canal called “Pikka”. According to local accounts, the villagers of this area once made their living by farming rice and raising buffalo and cattle. After butchering the animals they would dry the meat by the canal, but crows often raided it. Some villagers caught the birds and impaled their wings on sticks, so passers-by began to call the place “Ban Pikka”.
The temple was officially founded on 19 May 1932, when devout villagers staked out land and offered it to Luang Phor Pan before he passed away. In 1954, a group of villagers led by Mr. Choei Khunjeng and Mr. Sang Nisang joined together to build the temple in earnest, with Ajarn Thongkham as its first abbot. The temple grounds cover 16 rai, 2 ngan and 43 square wah (about 6.6 acres, or roughly 2.7 hectares), and it belongs to the Mahanikaya order of the Thai Sangha.
In 1956, Phra Samu Suan Attamano, the abbot at the time, applied to change the temple’s name from “Wat Pikka” to “Wat Pan Prasit Aram” in remembrance of Luang Phor Pan, the founder of the temple. The Sangha Council approved the new name officially, and it has been used ever since.
Over the years, Wat Pan Prasit Aram has been led by a total of six abbots:
- Luang Phor Kham
- Name unknown
- Name unknown
- Luang Phor Suan Attamano (Phra Khru Phawana Prasit), from 1948
- Luang Phor Sakda Thitapunyo (Phra Khru Samut Bun Khet), from 1977
- Phra Maha Kriangsak Silathoro, from 2005 to present
Today, Wat Pan Prasit Aram is the spiritual heart of the people of Ban Pikka and neighbouring communities. Buddhists continue to visit to make merit on Wan Phra (Buddhist observance days, on the 8th and 15th days of the lunar cycle) and on other important Buddhist days.
The temple also places great importance on spreading the Buddha’s teachings. Every year, on the 13th day of the waxing moon of the third lunar month, it holds a lay ordination and meditation retreat (chi phram), as well as moral training camps and Sunday Buddhism classes for young people and the general public, to promote virtue and build a firm foundation for Thai society.
By the power of the Triple Gem and the blessings of Luang Phor Pan, may Wat Pan Prasit Aram prosper and remain a centre of faith for Buddhists for a long time to come.
Our mission
Wat Pan Prasit Aram (Wat Pikka) is committed to being the spiritual centre of the Ban Pikka community and surrounding areas, by making Dharma practice and Buddhist activities accessible to people of every gender and age.
Our work focuses on:
- Holding merit-making activities on Wan Phra and other important religious days on an ongoing basis
- Promoting the annual lay ordination and meditation retreat, creating opportunities to engage with the Dharma
- Running moral training camps and Sunday Buddhism classes for young people
- Cultivating morality and ethics to nurture good people in society
- Being a place where people can learn and train the mind in line with the Buddha’s teachings
With the faith and blessings of Luang Phor Pan, Wat Pan Prasit Aram will remain a steadfast place of Dharma, a light for the community and a spiritual refuge for Buddhists for a long time to come.
Core values of Wat Pan Prasit Aram
Faith in the Triple Gem
Our guiding principle is faith in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, as a spiritual refuge and a guide for living mindfully.
Spreading the Dharma
We encourage continuous learning and practice of the Dharma through lay ordination, meditation retreats and activities that promote morality in the community.
Youth education and training
We run moral training camps and Sunday Buddhism classes to instil goodness and raise young people to be good members of society.
Community harmony
The temple is the spiritual centre of the people of Ban Pikka, bringing them together to make merit and join activities on Wan Phra and other religious days.
Morality and ethics
We promote moral living and adherence to the Buddha’s teachings, so as to nurture kind-hearted, virtuous people for society.
Public service
We take part in developing the community in spirit, society and culture, to bring peace and well-being to the village and to society as a whole.
Visitor information
Location and contact
Opening hours
Open daily
06:00 - 19:00
What to know before you visit
Our temple welcomes all visitors, whether you are experienced in Buddhism or simply curious. Here is what to know when visiting:
Dress code:
Please dress modestly and wear comfortable footwear. Remove your shoes before entering the ordination hall (ubosot).
Etiquette:
Please speak quietly and silence your mobile phone. Photography is allowed in most areas of the temple, except during meditation or ceremonies.