Ubon Ratchathani: Unseen Ubon, an initiative to admire the beauty of Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao, also known as ‘Wat Rueang Saeng’, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, has organized ‘ASEAN Makha Bucha Week’ at the Cultural Road, Chong Mek Border Checkpoint. The event celebrates the 75th anniversary of Thai-Lao diplomatic relations.
According to Thai News Agency, the event is held during a period of pleasant weather, drawing many visitors to witness the splendor of Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao, locally referred to as Wat Phu Phrao or Wat Rueang Saeng, in Sirindhorn District. The temple, an unseen gem in Ubon Ratchathani Province, has become a focal point for promoting Buddhism during the Makha Bucha Day celebrations. The Department of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Cultural Office, has organized ASEAN Makha Bucha Week to enhance religious and cultural relations with ASEAN countries. Activities include chanting, a candlelight procession, and making merit by offering alms to monks along the Cultural Road at Chong Mek border. The celebrations also mark the 75th anniversary of Thai-Laos diplomatic relations, with participants crossing over to Laos to offer a phaapaa samakhi at Wat Luang Pakse in Champasak Province.
The historical connection between Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao and Laos dates back to 1952-1955 when Phra Ajahn Boonmak Thitipanno traveled from Laos to establish a tent at Phu Phrao, a high cliff area. The site was named ‘Wat Phu Phrao’. However, due to political unrest in Laos, Phra Ajahn Boonmak returned to Wat Phu Marong in Champasak Province around 1973-1974, leaving Wat Phu Phrao abandoned. The temple was revitalized in 1999 by Phra Khru Kamol Phawanakorn, leading to its official establishment on May 2, 2002, as ‘Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao’. It occupies a total area of 15 rai and received its royal charter on July 26, 2004.
A key attraction of Wat Rueang Saeng is the chapel, featuring exterior walls adorned with glowing Kalpavriksha trees. The optimal viewing time for these luminous trees is between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., when they shine brightly, thanks to fluorescent substances absorbing sunlight during the day. The chapel’s design is inspired by Wat Xieng Thong in Laos. Perched on a mountain, the temple offers stunning views of the reservoir and the Chong Mek permanent border crossing.