Visiting Wat Sai Khao Songkhla: Discover the Giant Luang Pu Thuad Statue & Legacy of Luang Pho Phan & Thai Amulet ~ Songkhla - Thailand.

Tucked away in the peaceful surroundings of Songkhla, southern Thailand, Wat Sai Khao is a temple that feels deeply connected to the spiritual heritage of the region. Away from the busier tourist attractions, the temple offers visitors an opportunity to experience a quieter side of southern Thai Buddhism, where local faith, meditation traditions, and the legacy of revered monks continue to shape the temple's atmosphere.

Wat Sai Khao is particularly associated with Luang Pho Phan (Phra Thep Yananmoli), a highly respected southern Thai monk who spent much of his monastic life at the temple. His presence can still be felt throughout the temple grounds, from his former residence to the place where devotees come to pay their respects.

Another striking feature is the large image of Luang Pu Thuad, one of the most revered Buddhist figures in southern Thailand. The monument reflects the strong devotion to Luang Pu Thuad in this part of the country and forms one of the most memorable sights when visiting Wat Sai Khao. For me, a visit to Wat Sai Khao is therefore more than simply a temple stop. It is a chance to discover the story of a remarkable monk, explore a lesser-known corner of Songkhla's Buddhist heritage, and experience a place where generations of devotion continue to live on.

In this visit, I wanted to look beyond the temple's beautiful religious images and discover the history, people and traditions that make Wat Sai Khao a meaningful place of worship in southern Thailand.

Another striking feature is the large image of Luang Pu Thuad, one of the most revered Buddhist figures in southern Thailand. The monument reflects the strong devotion to Luang Pu Thuad in this part of the country and forms one of the most memorable sights when visiting Wat Sai Khao. For me, a visit to Wat Sai Khao is therefore more than simply a temple stop. It is a chance to discover the story of a remarkable monk, explore a lesser-known corner of Songkhla's Buddhist heritage, and experience a place where generations of devotion continue to live on. In this visit, I wanted to look beyond the temple's beautiful religious images and discover the history, people and traditions that make Wat Sai Khao a meaningful place of worship in southern Thailand.

The large Luang Pu Thuad at Wat Sai Khao, Thung Wang, Songkhla, is indeed a very large monument. The completed statue is reported as 10.5 metres high, with a 9-metre lap width. It was completed and assembled in 2024–early 2025, with the ceremony to place the head and enshrine the “heart” taking place on 5 January 2025, followed by the formal opening/eye-opening ceremony on 8 February 2025.

What makes it especially meaningful is that the project goes back to the temple's former abbot, Phra Thep Yananmoli (Luang Pho Phan). He initiated the construction, but the statue remained only partially completed for more than 20 years. The temple and devotees later revived the project, completing it with donations and a reported construction budget of more than 30 million baht

The original project was started by Luang Pho Phan, who envisioned a large Luang Pu Thuad monument at Wat Sai Khao. For more than two decades, the project remained unfinished, with the original structure essentially representing only part of the intended statue.

The project was revived in 2024. The first major casting ceremony took place around Luang Pho Phan's birthday in February 2024, and different sections of the statue were cast and assembled separately.The date of the formal celebration was particularly meaningful because 8 February is Luang Pho Phan's birthday. Thus, the completion of the Luang Pu Thuad monument was deliberately connected with the memory and legacy of the monk who initiated the project.

In front of the large Luang Pu Thuad statue, there is a small shrine housing revered images of Luang Pu Thuad and Luang Pho Phan, where devotees can pay their respects and make offerings.

The Ubosot (ordination hall) and the temple bell tower are two of the notable structures at Wat Sai Khao, reflecting the traditional architectural character of the temple.

Nine Luk Nimit (ลูกนิมิต) boundary stones are placed for devotees to apply gold leaf as an act of merit-making. These sacred stones will later be used to mark the sacred boundary of the Ubosot (ordination hall).

The Ubosot is one of the temple's most attractive structures, with a pair of Naga Phayanak gracefully guarding the entrance staircase. Their long, winding bodies lead the eye upward toward the ordination hall, creating a beautiful entrance that combines traditional Thai Buddhist symbolism with the temple's distinctive character.

Another interesting Buddha image at Wat Sai Khao is depicted with the Dharmachakra Mudra, the symbolic “gesture of turning the Wheel of Dharma.” This hand gesture represents the Buddha's teaching and is traditionally associated with his first sermon, when he began to set the Wheel of Dharma in motion.

One of the most meaningful places at Wat Sai Khao is the building where the preserved body of Luang Pho Phan is enshrined. Devotees come here to pay their respects, pray, and receive blessings. Even today, the building remains an active place of worship, where people quietly sit before the revered monk and make their wishes and prayers. Standing here, I felt that Luang Pho Phan's presence is still very much part of the spiritual life of Wat Sai Khao.

Inside the building, the main altar is enshrined with a revered Buddha image, creating the central focus of worship and prayer. The preserved body of Luang Pho Phan is also enshrined within the same sacred space, allowing devotees to pay respects to both the Buddha and the revered monk.

Luang Pho Phan: The Revered Monk of Wat Sai Khao. One of the most important figures in the history of Wat Sai Khao, Songkhla, is Luang Pho Phan, formally known as Phra Thep Yananmoli (พระเทพญาณโมลี). For devotees visiting Wat Sai Khao, learning about Luang Pho Phan adds a deeper meaning to the temple. His story is not simply that of a revered monk, but of a man whose life was closely connected with meditation, Buddhist education, southern Thai Buddhist traditions, and the development of his local community. From a Humble Beginning to the Monkhood. Luang Pho Phan was born on 8 February 1933 in the Thung Wang area of Songkhla. His family lived a simple life, and as a young man he worked in the fishing industry in Satun. At that time, he had no intention of spending his entire life in the monkhood. In fact, when he was around 21 years old, he returned home and entered the monkhood partly at the encouragement of his mother. His original plan was reportedly to remain a monk for only seven days before returning to lay life.But those seven days changed the direction of his entire life.

He found himself increasingly drawn to Buddhist practice and study. Instead of disrobing, he continued his monastic life and began developing himself through meditation, Buddhist education and disciplined practice. He was ordained at Wat Sai Khao on 17 June 1954, marking the beginning of a monastic journey that would eventually span more than six decades. After ordination, Luang Pho Phan became particularly interested in vipassana meditation and Buddhist teachings. One of the more remarkable stories from his early years is that he practiced meditation at the cemetery near Wat Sai Khao. For a young monk, deliberately spending time in such an environment was a demanding form of practice, reflecting his determination to develop mindfulness and overcome fear and attachment. At the same time, he pursued formal Buddhist education. He successfully completed advanced Dhamma studies and continued studying Pali and Buddhist scriptures.

This combination of meditation practice and Buddhist scholarship became an important part of his identity throughout his life. He was not known merely as a monk associated with sacred objects or religious ceremonies. He was also a teacher and a senior member of the Thai Sangha who devoted much of his life to Buddhist education and the development of temples and communities.

Luang Pho Phan eventually became the abbot of Wat Sai Khao and remained closely connected with the temple for many decades. Under his leadership, Wat Sai Khao developed into an important Buddhist center in the Songkhla area. His work extended beyond religious ceremonies. He supported Buddhist education, temple development and projects that benefited the surrounding community. As his reputation grew, he took on increasingly important responsibilities within the Thai Buddhist Sangha. He eventually became a senior ecclesiastical administrator in Songkhla and received the royal ecclesiastical title Phra Thep Yananmoli. For local devotees, however, these official titles were secondary to the personal respect they had for him. He was widely regarded as a compassionate and dedicated monk who had spent his life serving Buddhism and the people around him.

A Connection with Southern Thailand's Great Buddhist Tradition

Another fascinating aspect of Luang Pho Phan's life was his connection with the spiritual traditions of southern Thailand. He studied with several respected monks from the southern region and received teachings in meditation and traditional Buddhist practices. Among the masters associated with his learning were monks from Songkhla, Phatthalung and Pattani. These connections placed Luang Pho Phan within the broader network of southern Thai Buddhist masters that includes the traditions surrounding Luang Pu Thuat, one of the most revered Buddhist figures in southern Thailand. This connection is especially meaningful when visiting Wat Sai Khao today. The temple's large image of Luang Pu Thuad reflects the continuing importance of this tradition and Luang Pho Phan's devotion to it.

More Than a Monk: A Builder of Buddhist Communities

Perhaps one of the most lasting parts of Luang Pho Phan's legacy is his work outside Wat Sai Khao. He established a meditation center at Khao Long, which later developed into Wat Phu Khao Long. The center was intended to provide a place where monks and laypeople could practice meditation in a peaceful natural environment. The later development of Wat Phu Khao Long became another important chapter in his legacy. A stupa and other religious structures there commemorate his contribution to Buddhism and the local community. Through projects such as these, Luang Pho Phan demonstrated that his vision of Buddhism extended beyond the walls of a single temple. He believed in creating places where people could learn, practice and deepen their understanding of the Dhamma.

His Final Years and Passing, after more than six decades as a monk, Luang Pho Phan passed away on 9 November 2018, at the age of 85, having spent 65 Buddhist rains in the monkhood. His passing marked the end of a remarkable life devoted to Buddhism, but his presence remains strongly felt at Wat Sai Khao. His preserved body is kept at the temple, where devotees continue to come to pay their respects. His former residence and other places associated with his life also remain part of the temple's heritage. For visitors, these places provide something that a statue alone cannot offer: a connection to the everyday life of the monk who spent so much of his life here.

The Legacy of Luang Pho Phan

Today, when visitors arrive at Wat Sai Khao and see the large image of Luang Pu Thuat, they may first notice the size and beauty of the monument. But behind it lies the vision of a monk who devoted decades of his life to the temple and to the Buddhist community of southern Thailand.

Luang Pho Phan's legacy can be seen in several dimensions: his meditation practice, Buddhist scholarship, leadership of Wat Sai Khao, connection with southern Buddhist masters, development of meditation centers, and service to the local community.

For me, this is what makes a visit to Wat Sai Khao more meaningful. The temple is not simply a place to see sacred images or make merit. It is also a place to remember a monk whose life became deeply intertwined with the spiritual history of Songkhla. Standing at Wat Sai Khao and learning about Luang Pho Phan, one begins to understand that the significance of a temple is often found not only in its buildings, statues or amulets, but in the people whose lives and devotion shaped the temple over generations.

During my visit to Wat Sai Khao, I had the opportunity to meet a senior monk who was on duty to receive devotees and offer blessings. I was fortunate to receive his blessing as well, making the visit feel especially personal and meaningful. After the blessing, the monk kindly introduced me to several sacred amulets associated with Luang Pho Phan and Luang Pu Thuad. He explained the significance of the amulets and their connection with the temple's Buddhist heritage.

For me, this was one of the most memorable moments of the visit. Beyond seeing the temple's architecture and the impressive Luang Pu Thuad monument, having a monk personally offer a blessing and share the story behind these revered amulets gave me a deeper appreciation of Wat Sai Khao and the spiritual legacy of Luang Pho Phan. It was a warm and meaningful encounter—one that reminded me that visiting a temple is not only about seeing sacred places, but also about the people, traditions and living faith that continue to make the temple special.

One of the newer additions to Wat Sai Khao is a striking blue-themed Viharn, standing out among the older temple buildings. The building features a rich blue colour scheme complemented by decorative details, giving it a distinctive and contemporary appearance while retaining the traditional character of Thai Buddhist architecture.

The temple entrance is marked by an elegant arch gate, welcoming visitors into the sacred grounds of Wat Sai Khao. Decorated in traditional Thai Buddhist style, the arch gate creates a beautiful transition from the outside world into the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
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Revisited Wat Nern Sutthawat ~ LP Gliang: Complete Temple Guide, History, Sacred Buddha Amulet & Must-See Highlights ~ Chonburi - Thailand.

In the heart of Chonburi stands Wat Nern Sutthawat (Wat Noen Sutthawat), an ancient Buddhist temple whose story is deeply connected with the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region. For generations, devotees have come here to make merit, pay respect to revered monks, pray for blessings, and find a moment of peace away from the busyness of everyday life. A visit to this temple is more than simply seeing an old Buddhist monument. It is an opportunity to step into a place shaped by faith, devotion, wisdom, and the passage of time. The temple carries memories of revered masters such as Luang Pho Thong, Luang Pho To, and Luang Pu Gliang (LP Kliang), whose names remain closely associated with the temple's spiritual legacy.

As I entered the temple grounds, I wanted to approach this place not only as a visitor, but with respect for the Buddha, gratitude toward the monks and teachers who came before us, and an open heart to the blessings of the present moment. May the merit from this journey bring peace to the mind, strength to the heart, protection along the path, good health, prosperity, and good fortune to all who read these words. May every sincere wish made here be guided by wisdom, compassion, and good intention.

With that blessing, let us step inside and discover the fascinating history, sacred traditions, revered monks, and hidden stories of Wat Nern Sutthawat in Chonburi.

The story of Wat Nern Sutthawat (Wat Noen Sutthawat) is a journey through centuries of faith, devotion, and Buddhist heritage in Chonburi. Although the temple's official records date its establishment to BE2430 (1887), local tradition and the surviving old architecture suggest that its roots reach much further back, possibly to the late Ayutthaya period. The temple was originally known simply as Wat Noen. The name Noen refers to a raised area or mound of land, reflecting the location on which the temple was established. Over time, this quiet place of worship became an important spiritual center for the local community. One of the most remarkable features of the temple is its old Ubosot. Its distinctive architectural form, particularly the graceful curved shape of the structure, is traditionally associated with the architecture of the late Ayutthaya period. Standing before this old building, it is easy to imagine the generations of monks and devotees who have passed through this sacred place.

A Connection to King Taksin: The temple's traditional history also reaches back to one of the most dramatic periods in Thai history. In 1767, after the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin began the difficult task of gathering forces and restoring the kingdom. During his movements through the eastern region, Chonburi became part of this important historical landscape. According to local tradition, a respected monk known as Luang Pho Thong was associated with Wat Noen during this period. He was remembered not only as a monk of great faith but also for his knowledge of Buddhist teachings and traditional protective practices. Stories passed down through generations tell of a connection between Luang Pho Thong and King Taksin during this important journey. While some details belong to local oral tradition rather than fully documented historical records, the story remains an important part of the temple's cultural heritage.

The Era of Luang Pho To: As the years passed, Wat Noen became increasingly associated with revered monks whose spiritual reputation spread far beyond the temple itself. Among the most important was Luang Pho To, also known as Phra Athikan To. He became one of the temple's most respected masters during the nineteenth century. Luang Pho To is especially remembered among Thai Buddhist amulet collectors for the Phra Pidta tradition associated with Wat Noen. His sacred objects became highly regarded, and the temple eventually became recognized as one of the important sources of Chonburi's famous Pidta amulets. For devotees, however, the importance of Luang Pho To goes beyond the amulets themselves. He represents the traditional image of the Buddhist master — a monk whose life was devoted to spiritual practice, teaching, compassion, and the guidance of those who came seeking blessings.

The Temple Becomes Wat Nern Sutthawat: For many years, the temple continued to be known as Wat Noen. In BE2500 (1957), the name was changed to Wat Nern Sutthawat. The word “Sutthawat” carries a beautiful spiritual meaning, referring to a pure or virtuous abode. The new name reflects the temple's continuing role as a place where people come to cultivate faith, make merit, pray, and seek peace of mind.

The Long Legacy of Luang Pu Gliang (LP Kliang): In the twentieth century, another great chapter began with Luang Pu Gliang (PhraKru Phisit Chalopakarn). Born in Chonburi in 1918, he ordained as a monk in 1939 and became closely connected with Wat Nern Sutthawat. In 1944, he formally became the temple's abbot. What makes his story particularly remarkable is the extraordinary length of his service. He remained the spiritual leader of Wat Nern Sutthawat for more than seven decades, dedicating much of his life to Buddhist study, meditation, teaching, and the development of the temple and local community. Under his guidance, Wat Nern Sutthawat continued to grow as both a religious and community center. He was respected not simply for his reputation as a revered monk, but also for his dedication to Buddhist education and the spiritual welfare of the people who came to the temple. Luang Pu Gliang passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy that remains deeply connected to Wat Nern Sutthawat.

The Sacred Ubosot of Wat Nern Sutthawat. One of the most important places to visit at Wat Nern Sutthawat is the Ubosot pavilion, the sacred ordination hall at the heart of the temple. Stepping toward the Ubosot, visitors are welcomed by the traditional sema stones marking the sacred boundary of the ordination hall and 2 former abbot statues at front. These boundary stones are an important feature of Thai Buddhist temples, traditionally defining the consecrated area in which monastic ordination ceremonies and other important religious rites take place. The main altar enshrined with🙏 Golden Phra Cinnaraj — The Principal Buddha Image statue.

The main principal Golden Phra Cinnaraj and with sacred Meditation Mural inside the Ubosot. One of the most beautiful and unique details inside the Ubosot is the mural depicting the practice of meditation. Among the colorful scenes painted across the walls, the meditation imagery offers a quieter and more contemplative message. The figures are shown in meditation, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the importance of calming the mind, developing mindfulness, and cultivating inner peace. The mural feels especially meaningful within the sacred atmosphere of the Ubosot. Facing the serene Golden Phra Cinnaraj image, surrounded by traditional Buddhist artwork, visitors are gently reminded that Buddhist practice is not only about prayer or making merit, but also about looking inward and training the mind.

Within the temple grounds is a peaceful memorial area where the ashes and cremated remains of loved ones are respectfully enshrined. These sacred spaces provide families with a place to remember those who have passed away, make merit in their memory, and continue to honor their lives. In Thai Buddhist tradition, keeping a loved one's remains within a temple is also a way of maintaining a spiritual connection between the family, the temple, and the departed. Visitors may pause here quietly, offer a prayer, or dedicate merit to family members and loved ones who have passed on

The Sacred Old Chedi of Wat Nern Sutthawat, standing quietly within the temple grounds, the sacred old chedi of Wat Nern Sutthawat is a beautiful reminder of the temple's long spiritual journey. Weathered by time yet still deeply revered, this ancient stupa carries an atmosphere of peace, devotion, and timeless faith. 

🙏 Paying Respect to Luang Pho To. Another important figure to remember during your visit is Luang Pho To (5 Tigers of Phra Pidta Chonburi), one of the most respected masters in the history of Wat Nern Sutthawat. Luang Pho To is particularly famous among devotees and collectors because of the Phra Pidta tradition associated with him. The image of Phra Pidta depicts the Buddha or a revered monk with the hands covering the face. In Thai Buddhist culture, this image has developed many layers of symbolic meaning and is traditionally associated by devotees with turning inward, protection, avoiding harmful influences, and cultivating spiritual awareness. When paying respect to Luang Pho To, it is worth remembering that the deeper meaning of a sacred image is not simply about asking for material blessings. It can also be a reminder to quiet the mind, turn inward, and live with greater mindfulness. You may make a simple wai, light incense if permitted, and offer a sincere prayer according to your own faith and intention. There is no need for complicated words. Sometimes a quiet heart is the best prayer.

This is the old Ubosot and old Phra Buddha statue, one of the most historically fascinating structures in the temple. Its traditional architectural form is associated with the older history of 'Wat Noen' and is one reason the temple is believed to have roots reaching back much further than its official nineteenth-century registration. The old ubosot has a quiet and timeless atmosphere. Unlike some newer temple buildings decorated with bright colors and elaborate details, this older structure carries a sense of simplicity and age. When standing in front of it, it is worth pausing for a moment and imagining how many generations of monks and devotees have entered this building to pray, meditate, study the Dhamma, and make merit. For me, this is not simply an old building. It is a place where the past still feels present.

One of the most unusual and memorable sights at Wat Nern Sutthawat is a pavilion that immediately catches the eye with its distinctive pineapple-inspired decoration on the wall  pavilion. At first glance, the building feels playful and different from the traditional temple structures around it. The pineapple motif gives the pavilion a unique character, but stepping inside reveals something much more peaceful and sacred — a reclining Buddha, or Phra Phuttha Saiyasana. Local visitors specifically recommend coming here to pay respect to the reclining Buddha and admire the pineapple-themed artwork inside the temple grounds.

🙏 The Reclining Buddha (enshrined inside the pavilion) is shown resting in the traditional posture associated with the Buddha's final passing into Parinibbana. In Buddhist art, the reclining posture does not simply represent sleep. It can symbolize the Buddha's final moments and the completion of his earthly life, reminding devotees of the impermanent nature of existence.

Very beautiful paintings and decorative details on the walls. Exterior specifically noted the pineapple-themed paintings for this pavilion. And interior artwork gives a very different atmosphere from the solemn old ubosot elsewhere in the temple.

🧘 Remembering Luang Pu Gliang (LP Kliang). Another essential part of a visit is paying respect to Luang Pu Gliang (PhraKru Phisit Chalopakarn), the revered monk who served Wat Nern Sutthawat for more than seven decades. His life represents an extraordinary period in the temple's modern history. For generations of local people, he was not simply an abbot. He was a teacher, spiritual guide, and respected elder who dedicated his life to Buddhism and the community. When visiting his memorial or sacred image, take a moment to reflect on the meaning of such a long life of service.

Inside the pavilion, devotees can pay their respects to the revered Luang Pu Gliang, whose preserved body is enshrined here as a lasting reminder of his lifelong dedication to Buddhism and the Wat Nern Sutthawat community.

🙏 A Short Biography of Luang Pu Gliang Manunyo (PhraKru Phisit Chalopakarn). He was born on 20 June 1918 (BE2461) in Nong Khang Khok, Mueang Chonburi. After completing his military service, he entered the monkhood at Wat Nern Sutthawat on 2 July 1939, receiving the monastic name Manunyo. After serving as acting abbot, he was formally appointed abbot of Wat Nern Sutthawat on 1 October 1944. He devoted more than seven decades to the temple, helping develop its religious buildings, Buddhist education, and community activities. His extraordinary length of service made him one of the defining figures in the temple's modern history. Luang Pu Gliang was also widely respected in Thai Amulet sacred-object traditions, particularly for his Phra Hanuman amulets, including forms such as Hanuman Choen Thong style. His sacred Phra Hanuman pieces became closely associated with his reputation as a revered Chonburi master, while Phra Pidta and commemorative medallions were also among the sacred objects associated with his temple tradition.

He received the ecclesiastical title PhraKru Phisit Chalopakarn, with subsequent advancement in ecclesiastical rank. He passed away peacefully on 2 July 2017, aged 99, after approximately 78 years in the monkhood. Today, his memory remains deeply woven into the identity of Wat Nern Sutthawat. For devotees who visit the temple, paying respects to Luang Pu Gliang is not only a way of honoring a revered monk, but also a moment to reflect on a life devoted to Buddhism, meditation, compassion, and service to the community. His legacy lives on through the temple he served for more than seventy years — and through the faith of the many people who continue to come here seeking peace, inspiration, and blessings. 🙏

The front is the Phra Hanuman Choen Thong — Hanuman holding or raising a victory flag. This form has become closely associated with Luang Pu Gliang and his reputation as a master of Phra Hanuman sacred objects. At the back is the sacred Old Chedi of Wat Nern Sutthawat.

Offering Gold Leaf to the Phra Buddha statue. One of the beautiful traditions at the temple is offering gold leaf to the Phra Buddha. With a sincere heart, devotees gently place small sheets of gold leaf onto the sacred Buddha image, expressing their faith, gratitude, and wishes for blessings and good fortune.

Sacred Amulets and Holy Objects at the Temple Counter. The amulet counter offers a fascinating glimpse into the temple’s spiritual heritage, featuring revered amulets and sacred objects associated with faith, devotion, and the blessings of respected Buddhist masters.

🏫 A School Within the Temple Community. One of the interesting aspects of Wat Nern Sutthawat is that the temple is not only a place of worship and spiritual practice. It is also connected with education and the local community through Wat Nern Sutthawat Municipal School. This connection reflects an important tradition in Thai society, where temples have historically served as more than places for prayer and religious ceremonies. They have also been centers of education, moral instruction, community activities, and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.

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See info LP Gliang - Wat Nern Sutthawat amulets at:

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