Wat Si Roi (Temple of the Four Hundred)

History & Significance

Wat Si Roi was established on March 19, 1771, and received royal granting of Wisungkhamsima on September 6, 1909. The temple has deep roots in Thai history dating back to 1759, during the reign of King Alaungpaya of Burma, who ordered commanders Mangra and Mangkhong Noratha to lead an invasion against the Siamese cities of Tenasserim and Myeik (Mergui). Khun Rong Palat Chu, a local official of Wiset Chai Chan, led a brave company of 400 volunteer soldiers known as the Atamat unit to join the defensive campaign. Ordered to intercept the advancing army at Ao Wa Khao in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the unit fought fiercely in hand-to-hand combat against overwhelming forces until all 400 men made the ultimate sacrifice. In deep mourning and remembrance, the local community later constructed this temple named Wat Si Roi (Temple of the 400) and erected a memorial chedi to honor the spirits of the 400 fallen warriors.

Highlights & What to See

The temple occupies a tranquil area of over 21 rai along the Noi River and features several important spiritual and architectural highlights:

• Luang Pho To (The Weeping Buddha): The most prominent highlight of the temple is Luang Pho To, a massive Buddha statue in the Pa Lelai posture, measuring over 6 meters in lap width and 21 meters in height. Devotees regularly visit to pray, make wishes, and offer fireworks or firecrackers in worship. In 1987, the statue gained widespread attention when a blood-like fluid reportedly flowed from its nose, leading many to affectionately call it Luang Pho Rong Hai (The Weeping Buddha).
• Memorial Chedi: A sacred stupa dedicated to the memory and souls of the 400 brave warriors from Wiset Chai Chan who perished in battle.
• Monastic Architecture: The complex includes a 10-meter by 40-meter ordination hall (ubosot), a 14-meter by 24-meter sermon hall (sala kan parian), a prayer hall built in 1974, and 15 monastic residences.

Visitor Information

Wat Si Roi is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Admission to the temple grounds is free of charge. Visitors are kindly requested to dress respectfully when entering holy shrines and monastic buildings.

How to Get There

The temple is located at Village No. 4 along the Wiset-Phak Hai Road, Tambon Si Roi, Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong Province, situated directly on the banks of the Noi River. On-site parking is available for travelers arriving by car.