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Wat Rong Khun is a unique example of contemporary Thai art, including architecture, stucco sculptures, and Thai paintings.
Around 1887, a few villagers settled near Rong Khun, currently the location of the temple. They lived off the small stream that flowed into the Mae Lao River, which had murky water, hence the village was known as “Ban Hong Khun” (Rong Khun). Wat Rong Khun originated near the Mae Lao River’s western bank, close to the Mae Mon stream, about 500 meters south of the Rong Khun stream. Villagers invited Phra Thongsuk Bawin from Wat San Sai Noi to become the abbot. Later, erosion of the riverbank made it impossible to maintain the temple, leading to its relocation to a field owned by Phu Mee Kaew Lueamsai, a village leader. After this, Phra Thongsuk left, and only three novices remained. One novice, Tha Dewarat, later left the monkhood to become a layperson, eventually earning the respect of the village and becoming a village headman and later the subdistrict headman.
As the village grew, Tha Dewarat recognized the need for a larger temple and noticed that the old temple was frequently flooded during the rainy season. The community decided to move the temple to its current location, with Tha’s wife, Bua Kaew, donating 4 acres of land. After the construction, they invited Phra Duangrot Aphakaro from Wat Mung Muang to become the abbot, with Phra Kru Puthisarnwate (Haed Tevawaso) offering guidance. Under Phra Duangrot’s leadership, the temple flourished with up to four monks, ten novices, and two nuns.
As time passed, Phra Duangrot moved to another temple, and Wat Rong Khun lost its abbot. The villagers then sought help from the district monk to appoint a new abbot. Phra Inta was assigned, but after only one year, he moved to another temple. The villagers then visited Wat San Sai Noi to find a new leader.
In 1956, the villagers went to invite Phra Sai Chakaro to become the abbot of Wat Rong Khun. Phra Sai Chakaro was highly revered by the local villagers and those living abroad. In 1964, he constructed the Ubosot (ordination hall). Later, Phra Sai, along with Khamnan Peng Chailangka and other supporters, invited an ancient stone Buddha image from Nong Sra village in Mae Jai district to serve as the main Buddha statue in the Ubosot in 1977.
At this time, Wat Rong Khun flourished with the support of Thai and Chinese devotees in the village, some of whom moved abroad and later returned to help maintain the temple. Many supporters, including those from overseas, came to make merit and contribute to the construction of the temple. Because of his development skills, in 1994, Phra Sai was appointed the title of Phra Kru Chakriyanuyut.
In 1995, Phra Kru Chakriyanuyut constructed a herbal steam bath hall to aid in the rehabilitation of drug addicts, a major community project. Unfortunately, he fell ill with a stroke and was unable to continue the project. In the same year, the temple committee realized that the Ubosot, which had been in use for 38 years, was deteriorating and no longer suitable for ceremonies. It had become home to large bat colonies. The committee decided to build a new Ubosot. On June 3, 1995, they held a ceremony to demolish the old building and laid the foundation stone for the new one. Construction of the central structure began on February 3, 1996, but only the framework of the central Ubosot was completed. The temple’s funds ran low due to the national economic crisis of 1997.
Professor Chalermchai Kositpipat, a nationally renowned artist and native of Rong Khun, volunteered to continue the work of building the temple, dedicating his own funds. This allowed the temple to proceed without further burdening the villagers. Professor Chalermchai modified the design plans according to his vision, resulting in the beautiful Wat Rong Khun that stands today, attracting both Thai and international visitors. What was once an unknown temple has now become a renowned symbol of pride for Chiang Rai and Thailand.
Professor Chalermchai received permission from the abbot and the local villagers to demolish all the buildings in Wat Rong Khun, including the salas, monks’ quarters, dining hall, herbal steam bath hall, temple entrance arch, village water supply system, and the temple walls. The purpose was to beautify the landscape of the temple, which originally covered 4 rai 3 ngan 76.3 square wah. Professor Chalermchai then purchased additional land, bringing the total area to 81 rai 3 ngan 28.4 square wah, in order to expand Wat Rong Khun with magnificent and intricate contemporary Thai architecture. The temple now includes the Ubosot, the Phra That Hall, the Sukawadee Hall for Buddha statues, monks’ quarters, a bathhouse, a Dhamma Hall, a crematorium, a ceremony hall, a Ganesh Shrine, an art gallery, a souvenir shop, gold and universal restrooms, the grand entrance arch, a multipurpose building, and parking spaces for over 500 cars.
Professor Chalermchai had dedicated himself to serving the Buddhist religion since the age of 42 (1997). He took it upon himself to raise funds for the construction of Wat Rong Khun, declaring that he would not accept donations from anyone, whether from the government or private individuals. Through his perseverance, hard work, and dedication, Wat Rong Khun, which was once unknown, has now become the world-famous White Temple. It is a symbol of pride for Chiang Rai province and for the whole nation. Professor Chalermchai often said that he wished to be an example of the best person in the country, dedicating his life to creating great art for the nation, religion, the monarchy, and humanity, whom he loved dearly, until his last breath at Wat Rong Khun.
