Klang Ming Mueang Temple

Location:

Klang ming mueang temple stands far from the city hall goes to the north about a half kilometer. We arrive at Roi-Et bus- station . we have to take motorcycles. A driver takes us to Klang Ming Mueang Temple in 10 minutes. It costs us about 60 Bath.When enter temple,we have to be clam and polite. The weather in temple is cool and nice.The temple is compound of important sacred objects such as a main hall, the principal Buddha images, the old Chadok texts, small Buddha images,the Ming Muaeng palace,the Hor Tri,and a library. Thing we should avoid as a taboo is entering to the church don’t step on the thresholds because it’s impolite and insult the holy things. The old people are trust in the holy. We can take a photo and ask for the information. When we finish to visit it we can walk to Sra Thong Temple because it is next to Klang Ming Mueang Temple. It takes 5 minutes on walking.

History :
Klang Ming Mueang Temple, originally named “Wat Klang”. When they built this temple , there was not mentioned clearly. Anyhow, some books said that it might be built when Cambodians ruled Roi-Et. The North of the temple borders Sukburapha road, the South of the temple borders Phadung phanich road, the East of the temple borders Jaloernphanich road and, the West of the temple borders Dumrong Radwitee road. It’s approximately 500 meters far from the center of the town.
Klang Ming Mueang Temple is an ancient place because it used to be the place for government’s ceremony of taking an oath to become a government official.

The important places of worship:

Buddhist Temple Hall
The Buddhist Temple Hall is in the Klang Ming Mueang Temple. It was built in 1547 during Ayuttaya period. In the Buddhist temple Hall, there is a big Buddha image called “Phaputta Ming Mueang”. It is very famous in Roi – Et and nearby. Outside the Buddhist temple hall there is the beautiful painting of 12 signs of the zodiac.

Ming Mueang Castle
The Ming Mueang Castle is in the Klang Ming Mueang. It has a square shape. There are four floors.
On the first and the second floors, there are the ancient artifacts and there is a book about the Buddhist doctrine on the third floor. The fourth floor has the bone of lord Buddha.

Soontorntomprariyad school
It was built in 1947 for Buddhist novices to study the general curriculum. There are 215 novices who study at secondary school level.

Group information :
Name: Sompop Bootsard (Pop)
He is 18 years old
Hobbies :playing football and reading books
He thinks this project makes him has experienced more to improve his English.

Name: Opas Chuenchom (Nui)
He is 18 years old
Hobbies: playing music
He thinks this project is a represent Salaphumpitayakom school and Roi-Et province.

Name: Tinnawong Kongkham (Taung)
He is 18 years old
Hobbies: playing sport
He thinks this peoject makes him know more intereting places of Roi-Et.

Name: Lalita Wolachina (Aif)
She is 18 years old
Hobbies: singing songs, playing sport
She thinks this project makes her to be a deligent student and learn to work hard for the group.

Name: Chuleephorn Wonganu (Kratai)
She is 18 years old
Hobbies: singing songs, reading books and listening to songs
She thinks this project help her know how to do and English project as a team work.

Soo Da Cave

Soo Da Cave is situated in Ban Noon Som Boon, Tumbon Phu Kao Thong, Nong Pok district, Roi-Et province.
You can travel to “Soo Da Cave” by car or bus. First, travel from Roi-Et to Phontong. The distance between Roi-Et and Phonthong is about 30 km. Once you get to Phontong, go to the traffic lights and take the road that goes to Nong Pok. The distance between Phontong and Nong Pok is about 20 km. When you reach the entrance of Tumbon Phu Kao Tong turn left, the entrance is about 5-6 km from here. You will see a dam. It is called “Huay Pong Yai”. Turn right then go to Huay Pong Yai. You can go there by car. You will see the sign “Soo Da Cave”. Visitors have to climb up a twisty road through a small mountain to see the temple.
It is not easy to find transportation to So Da Cave. Visitors have to get there by their own cars. Buses and coaches cannot get to the So Da Cave because of the twisty road. There is no entrance fee. Visitors need not pay for the entry. So Da Cave is open from 06.00 am to 06.00 pm every day.
If you go to So Da Cave in the cold season, it won’t be crowded.
Normally, most people go there in rainy season because the waterfalls and the scenery are very beautiful.
So Da Cave is one of oldest temples in Roi-Et, which is used for multiple purposes. First, it is a place for monks to practice meditation and be in harmony with the nature. Second, Buddhist people come here to pay respect to the Buddha image. Third, it is a place that has beautiful waterfalls and view point. You will like So Da Cave, because the temple and the nature are very beautiful. It is better to go to So Da Cave in the rainy season, because it has beautiful waterfalls. It is a good idea to put on trousers, long coat and shoes. Because you will have to walk down hill in order to see “Ja Dee Stone” and “Admire Cave”, where it gets pretty cold.
DOs and DON’Ts
- Do not write on the cave walls.
- Do not make noise.
- Dress appropriately
- Be quiet.
- Keep the place clean.

History:

Long ago, there were built “Phra Tad Pranoom” and then people gave money to make the ashes of Buddha by walking and they went through Soo-Da Cave. In that group of fellow travelers, there was a couple, Mr. Soo and Mrs Da. Once they got to the cave, they decided to live there. They could not go out because they were so exhausted because of the travel and they were old. They stayed there with many valuable things.
80 years later a hunter, who lived in Ban Nong kum, went to hunt a wild boar. The boar ran into the cave. He followed the boar into the cave and then he saw the golden Buddha statue and a lot of property.

Highlights:

Soo Da Cave is in the Stone Mountain. When you go there, first you see the temple. The way that goes to the temple is beautiful. You can see the view. There is also a dam. It’s “Huay Pung Yai”. There are big stone plates on the way to the temple. Walk down the stairs and walk down the hill. When you go down the mountain and you could pay respect to the “Stone Cha Dee”. Next to the “Stone Che Dee” you may see the bat cave. If you visit this place in the rain season, the waterfalls are very beautiful. Soo Da Cave was set up in February 14, 1997 by Phra Aj. Kan Pha Pa Wa Row. The budget was 3 million baht and the people donated 17 million baht for building a street entrance.

- http ://www.thaitambon.com/tombon/ttrlist.asp?ID=250903
- Journal Tumbon Phu kao thong Nong Pok Discrict, Roi-Et Province, page 9
- Phra Aj. Kan Pa Pa Wa Row interview 9, December 2007

Group Information:
There are 5 people in the group. There are two boys and three girls. They are Sarawut, Amphon, Benjamas, Piyanoot and Porntip.

Sarawut Tongsawang: He is 17 years old. You can call him “Pech”. He lives in Selaphum. He likes reading cartoon books and drawing. He says: “I would like to visit So Da Cave again because it is a beautiful place”

Amphon Sriratree: He is 18. You can call him “Top”. He lives in Selaphum. He thinks So Da Cave is a beautiful place. He likes playing volleyball, listening to music and reading books. He likes art and nature of the So Da Cave.

Benjamas Kanaprun: She is 18 years old. You can call her “Bum”. She lives in Selaphum. She likes listening to music and reading cartoon books. She likes the waterfalls and the scenery.

Piyanoot Onputta: She is 18 years old. You can call her “Yui”. She lives in Selaphum. She likes reading cartoon books. She likes nature and adventure.

Porntip Nams-nga: She is 18 years old. You can call her “Fa”. She lives in Selaphum. She likes reading books and watching TV. She says: “I want to publicize the wonderful nature of So Da Cave”.

Boorapaphiram Temple

History

Boorapaphiram Temple was built in 1979. The present abbot is Phramaha Siriwutmatee.
It is located on 559 Phadungpanit Road, Mueng district,
Roi-Et. It was called “Wat Hou Raw” because in the former times, it was used as a hotel for the merchants who came to Roi-Et. They had business there at that time. There was not enough accommodation, so they had to stay at Wat Hou Raw. The word “Raw” means “waiting” in English, so at that time the merchants used this temple to sleep before started a new journey.

In 1913 a abbot changed the name to Boorapaphiram Temple because this temple is located at the east part of the city. The word “Phiram” means beautiful in Thai language. It is counted as a royal temple. It has the tallest standing Buddha image in Thailand, which is ranked the fifth in the world.

Attractions
Phra Buddharattanamongkolmahamuni or Luang phoo Toe is the tallest standing Buddha statue, 30.30 meters tall, which is connected with Roi-Et province and called symbolic of Roi-Et. Most people who visit Roi-Et come to see this huge statue.

The object of the construction:
They wanted to build a place to please the Buddha and have a symbol for Roi-Et that can bring foreigners to visit Roi-Et.


The temple border.
1. The east borders the moat area.
2. The west is close to Sukburapha moat.
3. The north borders moat area.
4. The south of temple reaches Phadungphanit Road.

Highlights

Why it is famous? Because it is the tallest standing Buddha statue in E-san and it is ranked the fifth in the world.

Group Members
1. Chainarong Suttiprapa, 18. His nickname is Bell. He lives in Selaphum. He likes collecting stamps and listening to the radio.
2. Siriporn Pimboon, 18. Her nickname is Tak. She lives in Selaphum. She likes playing sports and cooking.
3. Sirithip Untachai, 17. Her nickname is Thip. She lives in Selaphum. She likes watching TV and drawing.
4. Suntara Singsangtham, 17. Her nickname is Kaw. She lives in Selaphum. She likes reading books and watching TV.
5. Sangchan Butprom, 18. Her nickname is Chan. She lives in Selaphum. Her likes reading cartoonbook and playing games.

The group members are 12th grade students at Selaphumpittayakom School. Next year, they will study in different faculties, because they have different dreams. They hope this project is useful for everyone. Wat Boorapaphiram is known extensively because of the tallest standing Buddha. It is the symbol of Roi-Et province. We suggest that you to visit Boorapaphiram Temple when you come to Roi-Et. It is a very interesting place.

Prachakomwanaram Temple

Pha Kung Temple

History

57 years ago, Lueng Phu Sri Mahaviroa (Phrathepwisuttimongkol) Phre Ajarn Sing Khantayakamo and Phra Ajarn Maha Bua Yannasoom Panno were invited to live in this temple. In 1962 Lueng Phu Sri Mahawiroa started to live in Ban Koa Temple (Phakung Temple). At the time, it was a deserted temple. It was very wild and old. It was 200 years old. Nobody went there, because they were afraid of ghosts and magic art. Before the temple was built, Luang Phusir invited Phra Ajarn Sing Khantayakamo and Phra Ajarn Maha Bua Yannasoom Punno to come and see the land for building the temple. In 1984 King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Queen Sirikit, Majesty Pratep and Princess Jurapon went to give an offering, especially robes to monks. After Buddnist Lent at Phrechakomwanaram Temple (PhakungTemple) they gave the private assets to the temple. On January 30, 1997, Lueng Phu had a ceremony for laying the cornerstone at Phre Maha Chadee ChaiMongkon, Nong Phok District, Roi-Et Province; for containing the relics of the Buddha that were brought from Sri Lanka. In 2005, this Stone-Chedee was built to monument Lueng Phu who turned to be 90 years old. 40 million baht was spent to build Phakung Pagoda. It sits on four Rais, which is 19 meters long and 40 meters wide. It has five floors. It is the stone-Pagoda with a golden top weighting 101 baht. Inside the Pagoda is decorated by sand-stone, granite and marble. The ceiling is made from auspicious tree. It is a unique and a fascinating place.

Location

Phakung Temple is located in Phakung village, Srisomdet Distict, Roi-Et Province. It is 537 kilometers away from Bangkok. Roi Et is easy to visit both by airplane and buses. Take the road that passes the following cities: Bangkok, Saraburi, Korat, Ban Pai, Mahasarakam and Roi-Et. It takes 6 hours from Bangkok. Phakung Temple is an identity of Roi Et and fascinating in beauty. When you are inside the temple you should dress appropriately and keep silent. It is a free entrance. The budget for building Stone-Chadee Wat Phakung was 40 million baht. It is on four Rais which is 19 meters long and 40 meters wide. It has five floors. It is a stone-pagoda with a golden top weighting 101 baht. It was decorated by sand-stone from Amphoe parkchong, Nakornrathchasrima province. Inside the pagoda, there are sandstone, granite and marble decorations. The ceiling is built from auspicious tree. It is a unique and a fascinating place.

Group Information

Watana Suda (Keng): He is 17 years old. He likes playing the guitar. He thinks PhaKung Temple is beautiful and attractive for relaxing.

Apichat Khajonsombat (Golf): He is 18 years old. He likes listening to music and can sing very beautifully. He likes PhaKung Temple because it has an individual identity.

Pimthip Saithip (Toom-Tam): She is 18 years old. She likes reading novels and listening to music. She thinks PhaKung Temple is beautiful.

Sujittra Pothising (Ningnoi): She is 18 years old. She likes reading books. She likes Phakung Temple. It is beautiful.

Araya Butdee (Anny): She is 18 years old. She likes watching movies and singing. She thinks Phakung Temple is beautiful, calm, shady and attractive for relaxing.

Keng - Ningnoi - Toom-Tam - Anny - Golf

Phlan Chai Lake

Phlan Chai Lake
“Phlan Chai Lake is a big pond in the center of Roi-Et province, Thailand. There is a big gate in front of “Phlan Chai Lake”. Its name is “Sa ket Nakorn”. In the middle of the pond, there is the house of spirit of Mahesak Mogul. It is believed that there is a good spirit there. The pond itself has been taken as the symbol of Roi-Et. It is 512 kilometers from Bangkok and is easily connected with the capital by land and air transportation. Visitors can connect to a bus from Bangkok, Mochit 2 Bus Terminal or take an airplane, for example PB Airline to Roi-Et province.

History
100 years ago, Phlan Chai Lake was built by Phraya Soonthorn Thepkit Jaraksa.
The old town was situated in the land of Roi-Et nowadays. It was dug by human labour.
It was situated at the heart of the province. The history of the old town has variations. A long time ago, Roi-Et was called Sa-Kate-Na-Korn. The entrance to Roi-Et had eleven paths. In front of the lake there is a big gate. The name of the gate is Sa-Kate-Na-Korn. Today the pond is still called “Phlan Chai Lake”.
According to historical and archaeological evidences, the ancients had authority to govern this place. This area was a victory field and prevented the enemies from entering in the city. Because the pond was dug in the heart of the town, people didn’t worry about water sources. This pond was shallow until 1926. The governor of Roi-Et

Phraya Soonthoon Thepkit Jaraksa (Thong Chanthalangsu) considered this problem. He and people of Roi-Et helped together to develop it .They dug it

deeper.Took the soil to build the roads around this pond. They call it Soonthorn Thepkit Jaraksa Road. The one past of soil, they covered it up to make an island. This island is beautifully decorated. It is a public garden nowadays. The south of the island has the ceremony grounds for inter a city pillar. They built a shrine on it. People believe that the spirit of Mahesak Mogul, the spiritual assurance of the townspeople lives here. At the present, in the middle of the pond, there is the house of spirit of Mahesak Mogul.
Location
Phlan Chai Lake is located in Tambon Nai Mueang District, Roi-Et province, on 13thTewaphibal Road. It is opposite of Roi-Et hall-town.Visitor do not have to pay a fee for visiting. It is open everyday between 07.00 am – 09.00 pm.

Don’t miss the shrine of “Mahesak”mogul, it is at the house of spirit in the middle of “Phlan Chai Lake”. It is sacred. There is also a big statue in the shrine, where people worship Mahesak mogul. Around the lake, there is also a beautiful park.
Phlan hill is the model of a zoo. This hill has the sculptures of animals such as a tiger, a hippopotamus, a crocodile, a deer and a monkey. This ground is a small forest.
The hill has an artificial waterfall. Next to the Phlan hill there is a statue of H.R.H. Princess Phrasrinakarindra.
Phrabuddhathodorm is a statue of Buddha. It is in the middle of park. The opposite of the statue of Buddha is a playground. This playground is for children. Health Park is for exercise and an aerobic dance.
Somdech Phra Srinakarinda Park Roi Et surrounds Phalanchai lake in front of the town hall. This area is about 227 rai (91 acres). This urban park features a spacious ground where the provincial authorities hold official celebrations and the locals take their exercise. The park is adorned with flowering and ornamental plants of all kinds. Its well-kept grass lawn is shaded by trees, large and small. A refreshing foundation, which can be adjusted to great heights, provides a focus at the centre of the park may also take time off to read books in a pavilion set aside for the purpose.
The park has been made possible by cooperation from both the private and public sectors. In creating the park, they used an area in the town centre preserved for public recreation. You can take a photo and feed the animals. You can float on the boat. You can go for a picnic. I hope you will be happy when you come here.

Welcome to the land of smiles.

Phlan Chai Lake in numbers:
Area 50 rai (about 20 acres)
Distance from Bangkok to Roi-Et 512 kilometres
Distance from Selaphum to Phlan Chai Lake 32 kilometre

Sources
Our experiences.
Interview with Mr.Narong Peekklang. He is 43 years old. He is the officer of Roi-Et National Museum.
Magazines: The attractions of Roi-Et
http://www.moohin.com/
http://www.roiet.go.th/

Group Information
1. Mr. Pakorn Pakasit, 18. You can call him Korn. He likes playing Thai music. He loves Thai culture. He thinks Phlan Chai lake is a beautiful place.
2. Miss Jiraporn Pimboon, 17. Her nickname is Maew. She likes reading. She wants to be a physician. She loves Thailand. She feels good to do this project.
3. Miss Chutima Namkam, 18. Her nickname is Klang. She likes playing basketball. She hopes you have a new tourist attraction and culture.
4. Miss Anusara Nabanthidt, 18. Her nickname is Nam. She wants to be an economist She likes relaxing by Phlan Chai Lake. She is friendly and talkative. She loves Thailand.
5. Miss Jureerat Oansrimuaeng, 18. You can call her Ruk. She likes playing computer games. She is creative. She wants to be an engineer. She loves Thai culture.

Most of us live in Selaphum District. We want to present “Phlan Chai Lake” to foreigners. Phlan Chai Lake is regarded as the symbol of Roi – Et. We hope this project will be beneficial for everyone. We love Thailand and hope you come to Roi – Et, especially “Phlan Chai Lake ” It is peaceful! You will relax by a beautiful freshwater pond and a beautiful flower garden. Welcome to Thailand.

Wat Pa Noon Sawan

WAT PA NOON SAWAN TEMPLE

Biography of the abbot
Lung Phu Kampan Patta is the abbot of Wat Pa Noon Sa Wan. He was born on January 11, 1933. He came from a big family. He had 4 sisters and 6 brothers. He asked for the permission of his father and mother to be a monk, when he got 19 years old. He was a novice for two years. He became a monk in 1954. Since that day, he has studied Buddhism and religious rites. He also went on pilgrimages to many different places. In order to learn more, he studied with many famous monks about Buddhist miracles. He had extended his belief by giving sacred objects to people who come to the temple. They were things such as the small flag of “Pha Yun" and others.
The inspiration in building temple
Long time ago, the abbot arrived at the forest hill temple, which was in Thawatburee distict, Roi Et. The abbot thought that the place was good for relaxation and meditation. He then built a house at the hill as his residence. The abbot lived for many years and the villagers had faith in him. One day the abbot was meditating in his small hut. Suddenly he saw a temple coming from the sky, above where the abbot was sitting. The abbot thought this was a sign and he wanted to build the temple.
Everyday rituals
The everyday activities that the abbot does include foretelling the future, getting rid of bad luck, interpreting dreams, curing illnesses with magic, helping people get rid of their suffering and pain.

The architecture
Being a graduate of Buddhist theology the abbot has a sense of beauty and he understands fine arts. There is an integration of Cambodian and Indian fine arts at this temple. This beautiful pagoda has seven floors, each telling different stories about Buddhism. The temple is full of history. There are many several Buddhist statues such as, Buddha statues, statues of King of Nagas and various animal statues.
Wat Pa Noon Sa Wan is not a big temple. The style and architecture is similar to the temple in abbots dream. It is located in Ban Yangdor, Tambol Thutthai, Tung Roi-Et. There are many statues which were influenced by Cambodian and Indian style. You can see the big and beautiful Naga statue in the middle of a pond. Behind the pond there are two dragon statues to welcome the visitors. When you follow the path, you will see the big mouth of Hanuman, which you can walk through. The temple is 18 km from Roi Et. There is no bus that goes to the temple. It is open everyday and there is no entrance fee.

DOs and DON’Ts
- Dress appropriately .
- Don’t make noise.
- Don’t touch statues in the temple.
- Don’t sit on the statues.
Advice:
- Take your private car to visit the temple.
- Climb to the top floor and enjoy the view.

Group Information

Boonlue Phonmontree (Meud): He is 18 years old. He likes playing game and reading book. He wants to be a doctor.

Nitipong Promsarn (Nueng): He is 17 years old. He likes reading books and sing a song. He wants to be a teacher.

Phattharaporn Promson (Nan): She is 18 years old. She likes reading book and reading cartoon book. She wants to be a nurse.

Suputtra Sriwiang (Moss): She is 18 years old. She likes listen to radio and reading book. She wants to be a teacher.

Sureeporn Ruklamang (Ann): She is 18 years old. She likes listen to the radio and reading book. She wants to be a nurse.

Ku Ka Sing

Location:
Ban Kukasing is located in Ban Kukasing, Kasetwisai district in Roi-Et province.

History of Kukasing:
An old person in the village said, first this place was governed by Khom. The olden day governors of Khom wanted to construct the Ku (Palace). The leader of Khom asked a woman to build Kuprakhona. Then he asked a man to build Kukasing. We don’t know about the time they started building, but we know about the agreement. They be in agreement to contest, when the fixed star seen on the sky the time would be up.

So on the last day of the contest, the woman laid a plot because she wanted to be the winner. She made a lamp and she hung the lamp on a tree. The man saw the lamp and thinking of the morning, he stopped building the Ku because he thought the time was up. In the mean time, the woman hurried to build the KupraKhona and she completed the Ku. However, the man could not complete the Ku. Thus Kukasing is not complete like Kuprakhona.
The construction style of Kukasing was influenced from Hinduism and Shiva. between 1007 – 1087 it was the time of Papoun art. People in this area believe that Kukasing is a holy place and it is a dwelling of Shiva. Every May they have Boon Bung fire festival, where they pray for rain.

As for the interesting annual events, there is a sound and light performance every December. This show is called Kin Kao Tung Nung Pha Mai, it means eating local food and wearing

Thai silk. If you are planning to travel to Thailand in December,

do not miss this show.

Why it is called Kukasing:

There is no evidence from Khom to confirm the origin of this name.

The name Kukasing comes from Thai-Isan language. Ku is a place like

a chedi. Ka is from Garuda. The Garuda is a large mythical bird or

bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Sing is from the lion statue in front of Kukasing.

Group Information:

Chanon Kampolngam: He is 18. You can call him Breeze. He lives in Selaphum. His hobbies are watching TV and playing sports. He wants to be an engineer.

Sushawadee Butprom: She is 18. You can call her Karn. She lives in Selaphum. Her hobbies are reading cartoon books and watching TV. She wants to be an accountant.

Ariya Nabandid: She is 17. You can call her Aoom. She lives in Selaphum. Her hobbies are listening to music and playing computer games. She wants to be a doctor.

Benjaporn Lakornkeaw: She is 18. You can call her Nui. She lives in Selaphum. Her hobbies are listening to music and reading books. She wants to be a pharmacist.

Parichat Phumsankote: She is 18. You can call her Apple. She lives in Selaphum. She wants to be an accountant.




They love Thailand they love Roi-Et and they hope you will love Thailand and Roi-Et, too. Welcome to Roi-Et.

Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol

Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol is located in Nong Phok district. You can go there by car via the 2nd highway from Bangkok to Nong Phok. The distance from Nong Phok to Ban Thasaard is 9 kilometres. When you are in Ban Thasaard turn left. Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol is 5 kilometres from here. Most tourists come here on weekends and holidays. In the Chedi you must take off your hat and shoes. You must be quiet and discard garbage in the bins. You cannot bring pets, snacks and beverages. You cannot use candles or joss sticks, smoke and drink. You cannot touch the walls or the statues. The highlights of this place are Buddha relics brought from Sri Lanka on May 3rd 1997. The top of Chedi is 60 kilograms of gold Sa Vhet Tha Chut(white tiered umbrella of kingship). It is the one of the largest Chedis (pagodas) in the country. The Chedi is 101metres wide, 101 metres long and 101 metres high. The Chedi was built on 101 rai(about 40 acres) piece of land. The number 101 symbolizes the name of Roi-Et province, pronounced “Roi-Et” in Thai. The five-tiered Chedi containing Buddha’s relics is decorated with elaborate designs in a contemporary style, which is quite rare. The Chedi is located on the premises of Pha Nam Thip Thep Pra Sit Wan a Ram temple. This quiet and peaceful temple is ideal for relaxation and dharma practices. If you come here, you can go to Pha nam Thip Thap Pra Sit Wa Na Ram temple and climb up to Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol. You will feel challenged. If you come here by car, it will be more convenient.

History

Auspicious time of Phra Thep Wi Sut Thi Mong kol (Loung Phu Sri Maha Vi Ro), he talked to his students on November 25^th 1985 at a clergy meeting. It was the Kathin festival (presenting robes to monks at the end of Buddhist Lent) at Pa Kung temple, Sri Som Det district, Roi-Et province. He received Buddha relics from Sri Lanka. They needed a place to keep the Buddha relics and bronze statues. At the same time, this place would describe the history of Buddha in ten incarnations. The resolution of meeting was building a sacred place and this place is Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol at Thum Pha Nam Thip Thep Pra Sit Wa Na Ram temple. Their purpose was to have a place for relaxation, dharma practices, education, concentration, religious activities and will be the centre place of religion follower.

At the 8^th, 9^th, 10^th and 11^th E-san Dhammyuttika meetings at Thum Pha Nam Thip Thep Pra Sit Wa Na Ram temple, the resolution of meeting was building Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol by organizing PhaPa festival (make off-season offering of robes and other needs to monks) and taking donations. The capital for building is 840,000 baht. The structure of architecture and design look like Pra Pha Thom Chadi and Pra That Pra Nom and emphasize E-san fine art.

Location

Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol is located in Phu Khao Kiew, Ban Tha
Sa-Ard, Moo6, Pha Nam Yoi sub district, Nong Phok district, Roi-Et province. The distance from Roi-Et is 85 kilometres.

Other Information
Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol is in 9 rai (about 40 acres) area. Around the Chedi is octagon Vihankod. There are 500 bronze statues in Vihankod and 8 small Chedis around the Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol. The heights of small Chedis are 29 metres. There are images of Buddha in the 1^st-7^th small Chedis. In the 8^th small Chedi is Pra kaew Mor Ra Kod. Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol has 6 floors.

The 1^st floor

This is a multi-purpose place. The colors of this floor are pink and gold. There is a bronze statue of Loung Phu Sri Maha Vi Ro. The height of this bronze statue is 310 centimetres.

The 2^nd floor

This is the place for clergy meetings. The colors of this floor are blue and gold. An image of Buddha is at the centre of this floor.

The 3^rd floor

This is the place for ubosot. The colors of this floor are red and gold. There are Pra Put Tha Chin Na Ratch, 8 bronze statues of counselor and 93 E-san philosophers. There are 101 bronze statues on this floor.

The 4^th floor

Outside this floor is a view point. You can see Phu Khao Kiew on Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol.

The 5^th floor

It is a museum of Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol. There are images of Buddha on the big windows.

The 6^th floor

The top of Chedi is 60 kilograms of gold Sa Vhet Tha Chut(white tiered umbrella of kingship). In order to get there, you need to climb 119 stairs. Buddha relics from Sri Lanka, which were brought on May 3^rd 1997, and E-san mantor relics are on this floor.

Outside the VihanKod

There are gardens around the east of Chedi. About 100 metres from Chedi are Loung Phu Sri's house and Vihan Sri Mongkol. In front of the Vihan Sri Mongkol is Chedi BoRoBooDo. It is a model of Chedi BoRoBooDo in Indonesia. At the west of Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mong Kol are 3 almshouses.

The brick wall

There is a brick wall around Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mong Kol. The brick wall is 4 metres wide, 5 metres high and 3.5 kilometres long. It is similar to the Great Wall of China.

The Construction

The capital collected from PhaPa festival and donations from philanthropists come to 840,000 baht. However, the construction is not continuing. Mrs.Jintana Chaiyakul, Mr.Chut-Mrs.Wassana TharaWanit have been supporting the construction of Pra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol since 1994.

The money from philanthropists is kept in Chedi Chai Mongkol foundation. It is not used for other activities.


Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol in numbers:

Area 101 rai(about 40 acres)

Width 101 metres

Length 101 metres

Height 101 metres (include 60 kilograms of gold are 109 metres)

The bronze statues 101 statue

Distance from Bangkok to Roi-Et 508 kilometres

Distance from Pha Kung temple to Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol 101 kilometres

Altitude 500 metres

References
- Pha Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol pamphlet. (Written by Mr.PreeCha Srihanu)
- http://www.flickr.com/photos/enso-on/sets
-http://www.roiet.go.th/newch_15.htm

Group Information
Natthawut Singhchai: He is 17. You can call him Wut. He lives in Selaphum. He thinks Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol is a beautiful place in Roi-et. He likes traveling and playing computer games.
Wasaphon Wannasut: He is 17. His nickname is Boat. He lives in Selaphum. He likes to play football. About this project—he hopes you have a new tourist attraction and culture. He feels good to do this project because it is very hard but he intends to do it.
Kittiya Chantapidta: She is17. Her nickname is Mameaw. She lives in Thungkhaolong. She is friendly and talkative. She loves Thailand. She hopes Thailand is your first attraction.
Orapin Sansamuk: She is 18. She is Kik. She lives in Selaphum. She is a pretty girl. “I hope you like our project. I love Thailand. I hope you love Thailand, too. Welcome to Thailand” she says.
Areerat Raepetch: She is 17. You can call her Or-Ae. She lives in Selaphum. “I am very proud of our work because we did it by ourselves in limited time and budget but we could do it.” she says.
Most of members are 17 years old and live in Selaphum. Everyone hopes you love Thailand and hope you come to Roi-et. Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol will be the first choice of attraction for you. Welcome to Thailand.