Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen

Pre-modern times (1709–1915)

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a royal wat ('temple') located in Phasi Charoen district, Bangkok, at the Chao Phraya River. Wat Paknam was established in middle Ayutthaya period, between 1488 and 1629. Although the exact date of establishment is unknown, records indicate that King Suriyenthrathibodi (1703–1709) named the temple "Wat Prasat Suan Sawan" at first (Thai: วัดปราสาทสวนสวรรค์; literally: 'temple of the heavenly garden palace'). However, the name "Wat Paknam" and "Wat Paknam at the river Bang Luang" (Thai: วัดปากน้ำในคลองบางหลวง) appear in historical documents of palace administration from 1780 onward. Wat Paknam simply means 'lock in canal', which refers to the position of the temple. The temple was renovated at least three times, during the periods of King Taksin, Rama III, and King Chulalongkorn (eighteenth–early twentieth century).

Revival by Luang Pu Sodh (1916–59)

In 1916, there was no abbot positioned at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen and senior monk Somdet Puean assigned Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro (1884–1959) as abbot. The temple underwent a major change after he became the abbot, from a temple with only thirteen monks that was abandoned, to a prosperous center of education and meditation practice with five hundred monks (the highest in Thailand at the time) and hundreds of maechis. The temple became well-known through Luang Pu Sodh's meditation method, which was used for healing. Apart from teaching meditation, Luang Pu Sodh also built a school for Pali studies in 1950, which became a leading institute of the country. Luang Pu Sodh has had a lasting impact on the temple, as his teachings and guided meditations are still sold at the temple today and his promotion of Buddhist scholarship has still continued. In the time of Luang Pu Sodh, the temple became popular with and well-supported by a prosperous community of high social class, mostly from the Bangkok area. To compensate for the lack of local supporters, and at the same time dealing with the problem of local delinquent children causing trouble for the temple, Luang Pu Sodh set up a free primary school. Later, when the Thai government set up schooling all over the country, Luang Pu Sodh had the government take over the school.

Although Luang Pu Sodh has already passed away, his remains have been kept in a coffin and is still a major point of attraction for the temple. His remains have not been cremated, because of the large number of people still visiting the temple to pay their respects.

One of the most significant parts of Luang Pu Sodh's heritage is the combination of learning and meditation, both in monastic practice and teaching to laypeople.

Somdet Chuang Varapuñño as abbot (1960–2013)

When Luang Pu Sodh passed away in 1959, no successors were appointed, which led to discussion. For seven years, Somdet Pun Punnasiri, who was a nephew and former attendant of Luang Pu Sodh, was caretaker abbot, waiting for a permanent candidate. He was replaced by Somdet Chuang Varapuñño (born 1925).

Somdet Chuang ordained as a samanera (novice) when he was fourteen years old in 1939, in his hometown in Samutprakan. He heard about Luang Pu Sodh's reputation and aspired to move to Wat Paknam. Two years later, his teacher allowed him to do so, and he lived as a novice at Wat Paknam until he fully ordained there, as a monk under Luang Pu Sodh. After Somdet Chuang ordained, Luang Pu Sodh saw his potential and had him continue his Pali studies and work as a secretary at Wat Benchamabophit to the fourteenth Supreme Patriarch Somdet Plot, who had a reputation for strict discipline. Somdet Chuang learned about the management of temples from him. In reflection, Somdet Chuang has stated about this period that he "learned from different temples, because a temple is also a sort of teacher". After completing his Pali studies, Luang Pu Sodh had Somdet Chuang come back to Wat Paknam to learn about the work at Wat Paknam.

Somdet Chuang is known to rarely give interviews or answer questions of journalists. However, he has shown strong engagement with Thai society. In 2014, he asked the Thai government to do more to support the monks in the South, who suffer because of the insurgency there. He has also promoted ethics in Thai society, requesting television stations to remind viewers of the five Buddhist precepts during their broadcasts, and reminding viewers himself in a 2016 television broadcast of the Magha Puja festival. Since the time of his appointment as an abbot, the temple's activities have expanded, and in 1969, King Bhumibol Adulyadej led the Kathina ceremony at the temple.

Somdet Chuang used to be monastic Chief of Region 3, 17 and 7, respectively. He later became Chief of the Northern Region and supervised missionary work abroad (Thai: ธรรมทูต), as well as Pali studies. Moreover, Somdet Chuang significantly contributed to the compiling of a special Tipitaka set in honor of King Bhumibol's sixtieth anniversary. In recognition of his merits, he received honorary degrees from the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), Thammasart University and Sripatum University in Thailand. He received the royal honorific names Phrasrivisuddhimoli (in 1956), Phraratchavethi (in 1962), Phrathepwarawethi (in 1967), Phra Thamthirarathmahamuni (in 1973), Phrathampanyabodi (in 1987) and Phra Maha Ratchamangalacharn (in 1995). His last honorific made him officially member of the Supreme Sangha Council. He has presided over meetings of the council since the mid-2000s.

Although the number of monks and mae chis has decreased since the time of Luang Pu Sodh, the temple still boasts a number of 200–400 monks, 80–150 novices, 160–300 mae chis ('nuns') and 30–100 resident volunteers, as reported in the 1990s and 2000s.

Appointment as Supreme Patriarch stalled (2013–15)

After the deaths of Somdet Phra Yanasangworn and caretaker Somdet Kiaw in 2013, Somdet Chuang has become the acting Supreme Patriarch. However, he had did not receive the full position, as the Thai junta refused to foward the nomination to the King for approval.

In December 2013, during the protests which led up to the 2014 coup d'état, Somdet Chuang made a public statement opposing the protests, asking protest leaders Phra Suwit Dhiradhammo and Suthep Thaugsuban to stop causing civil unrest, in respect of King Bhumibol's birthday. After the coup d'état, the junta started a National Reform Council to bring stability to Thai society, which the junta stated was required before elections could be held. As part of the council, a panel was started to reform Thai religion. This panel was led by Paiboon Nititawan, a former senator who had played a crucial role in the coup. Backed by the bureaucracy, military and Royal Palace, Paiboon sought to deal with any shortcomings in the leading Thai Sangha through legislative means. He was joined by coup leader Phra Suwit Dhiradhammo (known under the activist name Phra Phuttha Issara), a Dhammayuttika monk and former infantryman.

On 5 January 2016, Somdet Chuang had been nominated by the Supreme Sangha Council to take the post of Supreme Patriarch officially. Phra Suwit objected against this nomination, and held a petition to stop it, which succeeded. Moreover, in February 2015, Paiboon tried to reopen the 1999 case of Luang Por Dhammajayo's alleged embezzlement of land. Somdet Chuang and the rest of the Sangha Council were also involved in this, as they were accused of being negligent in not defrocking Luang Por Dhammajayo. First, the Sangha Council reconsidered the embezzlement and fraud charges, but concluded that Luang Por Dhammajayo had not intended to commit fraud or embezzlement, and had already returned the land concerned; after that, Phra Suwit enlisted the help of the Ombudsman, who asked the General-Attorney and the National Office of Buddhism to reconsider the criminal law case of embezzlement.

Next, Phra Suwit Dhiradhammo led two hundred soldiers and civilians to pay a visit to Wat Paknam. He made an offering to Somdet Chuang and asked several critical questions with regard to the verdict of innocence of Luang Por Dhammajayo. The questions were answered by Sangha Council secretary Phra Suchat Dhammaratano (See § Practices and propagation, below.) on Somdet Chuang's behalf. Critics interpreted Phra Suwit's visit, followed by his PR through social media, as aggressive, disrespectful, and inappropriate for a monk, and Phra Maha Show, administrator at the MCU, filed a lawsuit against Phra Suwit. At this point, criticism against the reform panel rose. Several Thai intellectuals and news analysts pointed out that Paiboon and Phra Suwit were abusing the Vinaya (monastic discipline) for political ends, and did not really aim to reform Buddhism. In February 2016, Chao Khun Prasarn, vice-rector of the MCU, assistant abbot of Wat Mahadhatu, and proponent of Somdet Chuang's appointment, held a protest of over a thousand of Thai monks in the Phutthamonthon Park, as a response to the postponing of the appointment. He demanded that the Thai junta not interfere with the Sangha's affairs, in particular the appointment of the next Supreme Patriarch. The junta responded by sending soldiers to control the site, and it came to a few scuffles. At 9 pm, the protest was ended when the monks announced they would repeat their protests again if their demands were not met. However, the junta only saw the protests as another reason to stall the appointment.

In response to the rising tensions, eventually junta Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha intervened and brought an end to the lobby of reviving the embezzlement case: it had already been closed in 2006 by the then Attorney-General and that was the end of it. Moreover, he dissolved the religious panel of the reform council. However, Paiboon and Phra Suwit continued to address the leading Sangha's shortcomings through judicial means, and cited these shortcomings to support the stalling of the appointment. As for Chao Khun Prasarn, he was sent to an "attitude adjustment" camp for a while.

News analysts and scholars have given several underlying motivations that explain the conflicts with regard to Somdet Chuang's appointment. It has been pointed out, that if Somdet Chuang would become Supreme Patriarch, it would mean a leader from the Maha Nikaya fraternity, rather than the Dhammayuttika fraternity, which historically has always been the preferred choice by the Thai government and monarchy. Also, an important reason for the stalling is that Somdet Chuang is the preceptor (the person who ordained) Luang Por Dhammajayo, abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, and Wat Phra Dhammakaya has been associated with the Red Shirt pressure group, opposing the junta. As part of the junta's efforts to "de-Thaksinize" the country, e.i. free the country from former PM Thaksin's influence, Wat Paknam and Wat Phra Dhammakaya's influence had to be limited too.

The relation between Wat Paknam and Wat Phra Dhammakaya had been subject of speculation since 1999, when Wat Phra Dhammakaya was accused by Phra Adisak Viriyasakko, a former monk of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, of purported embezzlement and other accusations through a report of television station iTV. Wat Paknam was displeased by the report and had Phra Adisak leave Wat Paknam, but he did not comply. When Phra Adisak's accusations led to an investigation by the Supreme Sangha Council into Wat Phra Dhammakaya, the council decided there was no need to prosecute Luang Por Dhammajayo, but gave four directives for the abbot to practice. Somdet Chuang's role was disputed, however, as he was both member of the council and preceptor of Luang Por Dhammajayo. In the same year, in an interview with news outlet Thai Rath, Somdet Chuang said he was not favored to Luang Por Dhammajayo, and considered all the accusations in the light of the Vinaya (monastic discipline), as a parent would be just to his children. In 2015, nine years after the 1999 charges against Luang Por Dhammajayo had been withdrawn, Paiboon addressed Somdet Chuang's relation with Wat Phra Dhammakaya again. Paiboon pointed out that Somdet Chuang had stated he had received large donations from Wat Phra Dhammakaya for the building of the Phramaharatchamongkhon stupa, which Paiboon believed indicated a relationship of patronage. Chao Khun Prasarn defended Somdet Chuang, however, stating that Somdet Chuang's relation with Luang Por Dhammajayo was typical for a preceptor–student relationship, and that Somdet Chuang had no biases in his role as a Sangha administrator.

Appointment withdrawn (2015–17)

In June 2015, Paiboon and the remaining National Reform Council submitted a number of proposals to reform the Thai Sangha, including increased control of the bank accounts of Thai temples, increased control on monastic disciplinarians, changing the abbots of all Thai temples every five years, and raising taxes for monks, who had been exempt from taxes. Although Sangha Council spokesperson Phra Suchat did understand the need for more financial control, better accounting required nationwide training of abbots, which the National Office of Buddhism had already planned to organize. Furthermore, the Sangha Council protested that the reform council panel should consult them more in their policy-making, and described the measures as "a possible destruction of Buddhism through indirect means". Phra Suchat further criticized the junta: "Previously, when politicians issued new laws or regulations, they did so to facilitate and honor the Sangha to make Buddhism stable in this country. But currently, politicians order monks around, even though they are not always knowledgeable in these matters." Chao Khun Prasarn intended to organize another protest, but was halted by the Sangha Council, who felt that discussion with the junta was becoming more feasible. It seemed the junta was not pushing for new Sangha legislation after all.

Meanwhile, Paiboon and Phra Suwit requested the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), sometimes considered the Thai equivalent of the American FBI, to start an investigation in the assets of the Sangha Council's members, including those of Somdet Chuang. In 2016, the DSI formally summoned Somdet Chuang, because of a vintage car no longer in use, kept in a museum at Wat Paknam. Wat Paknam had asked people to donate second-hand belongings with an educative value to the museum in the stupa. However, the car would not have been properly registered, which DSI believed was to evade taxes. There had been an investigation running since 2013 into the car, offered to the temple's museum, which was one of 6000–7000 cars sold, and over which allegedly no tax had been paid. The car under investigation was an eighty-old year wreck that had been fixed by adding new parts to it, before offering it to the museum. Tharit Pengdit, the then director of the DSI, believed Wat Paknam not to be involved in the purported tax evasion. However, Tharit was fired and replaced after the 2014 coup d'état, and the investigation was re-opened when the National Reform Council pushed the DSI to do so. The tax evasion accusation was another reason for the junta to postpone Somdet Chuang's installment.

When in July 2016 it became clear that the junta had still not submitted the appointment of the Supreme Patriarch, Chao Khun Prasarn came out to give the junta an ultimatum of seven days, after which he would "consult with his team what to do next". The junta responded by prohibiting any further gatherings, which had been prohibited under martial law anyway. If Chao Khun Prasarn still continued, he would be sued and defrocked, the junta threatened. In November, the prosecutors decided not to charge Somdet Chuang, but to charge attendant Luang phi Pae instead, and another six people who had taken part in importing the vintage car. On 12 January 2017, however, the prosecutor issued a non-prosecution order against Luang Phi Pae, since the DSI had found no evidence of conspiring to evade taxes. The order indicated innocence on the part of Wat Paknam. Paiboon responded that despite the lack of evidence against Somdet Chuang, Somdet Chuang was still not eligible to be the Supreme Patriarch. He argued that Somdet Chuang was too wealthy and had shown favor in not defrocking Luang Por Dhammajayo.

On 29 December 2016, the National Legislative Assembly amended the 2005 Monastic Act to allow other monks than Somdet Chuang to be appointed Supreme Patriarch. Previously, this had not been possible because the law stipulated that the most senior patriarch (Thai: พระราชคณะ) had to be appointed. Under the new amendment, which was reverting the Monastic Act to its 1992 version, any of the eight patriarchs in the Sangha Council could be appointed. The law was amended within one single day, which was highly unusual. Apart from the adjustments in the nomination process, more authority was given to the King, and less to the Sangha Council. The legislative assembly stated that, apart from the role of the King, they wanted to solve further conflict in the Sangha. They therefore decided to remove the Sangha Council from the process of appointing the Supreme Patriarch.

While proponents considered the amendment a good way for politicians to solve the problems the Sangha had not been able to solve, opponents described the amendment as "sneaky" (Thai: ลักไก่). Chao Khun Prasarn stated the amendment showed a grave lack of respect for the Sangha Council's authority, because the council had not been involved in the amendment at all. He argued that the Monastic Act had always given the final authority to the King anyway, and pointed out that all conflicts about the appointment were caused by the National Reform Council, not by the Sangha. Despite these objections, on 10 January 2017 the Supreme Sangha Council officially withdrew its nomination of Somdet Chuang, stating that the new amendment had made their previous nomination moot. However, Somdet Chuang was still the acting Supreme Patriarch. Somdet Chuang himself did not join the council meeting, citing other business to attend to. Finally in February, Somdet Amborn was appointed by King Vajiralongkorn to serve as the next Supreme Patriarch.

In 2015, Somdet Chuang retired from his supervision of missionary work abroad (Thai: พระธรรมทูต) and within Thailand (Thai: พระธรรมจารึก), as well as his position as Chief of the Northern Region. He cited his old age as reason, and denied any political motivations. Luang Por Wichian Anomaguno, deputy-abbot of Wat Paknam, was appointed as region head instead.

Practices and propagation

The temple has in several ways promoted Buddhist education in Thailand. The temple has a well-known Pali and Buddhist studies institute, which is used by the Sangha to print documents used for national monastic examinations. This Pali Institute was already built by Luang Pu Sodh in 1939, and in his time was already a learning center with a thousand monks and samaneras learning there. As of 2011, Wat Paknam still had a leading position in Pali studies. As a monastic administrator, Somdet Chuang has endeavored to increase the level of Pali studies in Thailand, especially in the provinces. He has described Pali as the root of the tree that Buddhism is, that should be maintained. Wat Paknam has also established initiatives for the Thai Sangha to prevent illiteracy in Thailand, through increased education in Thai language.

Somdet Chuang has made several contributions to the Phutthamonthon, a national park used as a center for Buddhism. He has built a pavilion in it with fragments from the Tipitaka carved in marble, as well as a stupa with relics, and a library. Also, he planned to replace the standing Buddha image in the park, which was deteriorating. The new image was to stand 145 meters (476 ft) tall. Buddha images in Japan were studied as examples for the construction, as the Thai Society of Police was enlisted for help in fundraising. The project was started in 2012, to celebrate 2560 years since the Buddha's enlightenment (Buddha Jayanti, following the Buddhist Era). The project was also promoted as a way to help Thailand become the center of Buddhism in the world.

Wat Paknam attracts mae chis, because of Luang Pu Sod's policies, which provide opportunities and flexibility. Wat Paknam is attractive for mae chis because it emphasizes meditation, offers free dormitories for mae chis, free Buddhist and secular studies, and a stipend of eight hundred baht per month. There are mae chis with three kinds of responsibility at the temple: meditation (called "Dhammakaya mae chis"), study or helping with daily chores at the kitchen or pavilion. Although women all go through the same process to become mae chis, such as changing their names to fit their new spiritual life, the responsibility a mae chi is assigned to affects what their daily routine looks like.

The temple has the largest mae chi community in Bangkok, and as of 1993, the largest in Thailand. The temple has had a significant impact on female Buddhist practice: the National Thai Nun's Institute was founded by Mae chi Puk from Wat Paknam, who has also led the institute for a long time. Mae chi Chandra Khonnokyoong became the teacher of Luang Por Dhammajayo, and together with him founded Wat Phra Dhammakaya. In addition, Voramai Kabilsingh, the first bhikkhuni (fully ordained nun) in Thailand, used to be a practitioner at the temple when still laywoman, and her daughter, bhikkhuni Dhammananda, has indicated her meditation teaching was inspired by Dhammakaya meditation.

The temple does, however, not only try to appeal to mae chis, but follows a general policy with regard to 'suitability' (Pali: sappaya). Suitability means that the temple attempts to make itself attractive in terms of food, accommodation and teachings. Wat Paknam grew popular among the Bangkok lay community since the time of Luang Pu Sodh. As of 2013, to be the chairman of the yearly Kathina ceremony at the temple, there was a queue of 540 years, supporters donating to allow future family members to lead the ceremony.

Besides the abbot, the temple is managed by two deputy abbots, Luang Por Wichian Anomaguno and Luang Por Vira Ganutamo, specialized in religious learning and meditation respectively. Moreover, each residence and public building has its own head, with one head taking care of twenty monks or novices. As for mae chis, they have their own head who reports to the abbot and the National Thai Nun's Institute. In administrative matters, Somdet Chuang is assisted by Phra Suchat Dhammaratano, who leads a secretariat to the Supreme Sangha Council.

Teachings

The temple has a reputation for having made Dhammakaya meditation widely known in Thailand, through monks and lay teachers. The monastics at the temple spend much time on meditation. Moreover, the temple is trying to keep the traditions of Luang Pu Sodh alive. Just as in the time of Luang Pu Sodh, there still is an evening meditation during which the practitioners listen to a tape of Luang Pu Sodh. There is also still meditation in shifts, as in the time when Luang Pu Sodh still ran a 'meditative knowledge factory' (Thai: โรงงานทำวิชชา). In memory of Luang Pu Sodh, the temple runs a society of "students of Luang Pu Sodh".

Many of Somdet Chuang's public talks have been published in newspapers. Somdet Chuang often teaches about themes such as living in unity, gratitude, and mindfulness. In teachings to monastics, Somdet Chuang emphasizes upholding discipline, making the Buddhist temple attractive for the public, and, in times of crisis, to engage in charity and offer solace to the public. As a Sangha administrator, he has been credited with solving issues of unity in the Sangha. He has also spoken out and acted against monks using motor bikes, smoking and other disciplinary matters, and has acted resolutely with regard to problems in the monastic community, such as incorrect teachings and lack of thoroughness in ordination procedures. In 2014, after the coup d'état, junta Prime Minister Prayut consulted Somdet Chuang as acting Supreme Patriarch per traditional custom. Somdet Chuang emphasized restoring and managing the environment better, promoting unity and honesty in society, through upholding the five precepts. Three months later, when the just ousted former PM Yingluck came to see Somdet Chuang, he taught her to be patient and enduring, practicing not to be affected too much by outer circumstances.

In 2014, Somdet Chuang started promoting the five precepts through a nationwide program The Villages Practicing the Five Precepts (Thai: หมู่บ้านรักษาศีล ๕). In this program, held in cooperation with the National Office of Buddhism, villages are encouraged to agree on adhering to the five precepts unanimously. Villages that have one in two inhabitants participating, receive a sign to announce their intentions to the outside world. Also, evaluations are held per monastic administrative region, and awards are given to exemplary villages that have eighty percent of villagers participating. Schools and colleges, local administration, Sangha and private companies are all involved in promotion and practice. Similar programs such as The Villages Practicing the Five Precepts have been held in Thailand since 1978, but never at this scale. Furthermore, the program has inspired a number of initiatives, for example, the promotion of five precepts among prisoners and promotion of a vegetarian lifestyle. According to Somdet Chuang, Wat Paknam also inspired the Japanese Shinnyo-en movement to emphasize the five precepts more in their teachings. In an interview with newspaper Matichon, Somdet Chuang's attendant Luang Phi Pae said that of all Buddhist teachings, Somdet Chuang would like to convey the teaching of the five precepts the most.

Charity

Under Somdet Chuang's supervision, Wat Paknam has established the Luang Por Wat Paknam Foundation, aimed at charity for educational projects, construction, and charity. The foundation also supports education for monastics. Moreover, it has helped people hit by the 2011 floods in Thailand and Somdet Chuang traveled to offer charity to the affected areas of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, in cooperation with the organization Hands 4 Nepal.

Wat Paknam has organized a number of activities to promote and support public health. Since 1973, Wat Paknam has organized three-monthly blood donations at the temple, in cooperation with the Red Cross and the National Blood Donation Center. The idea was developed by Phrakhru Chai Kittisaro, assistant to Somdet Chuang. Somdet Chuang made the project well known by persuading people throughout the country to donate blood. Wat Paknam received three prizes for their contributions to blood donation, from Princess Soamsavali and Princess Sirindhorn (the latter as chairman of the Red Cross), and from Supreme Patriarch Phra Yanasangworn. From 2005 onward, people could also register for organ, tissue, bone and eye donation. Phrakhru Chai has described the donations as a higher form of practicing goodness (Pali: upaparami). As of June 2014, the blood donations were still held frequently. Wat Paknam also organizes free health check-ups for the local community. In 2013, local policy makers developed a plan to build a hospital in Don Muang, Bangkok, named the "Luang Por Wat Paknam Hospital". It is built on property of Wat Paknam. As of September 2015, the area was still being rented, and negotiations with tenants were in progress.

International presence

With regard to international activities, in Somdet Chuang's words, he "continued upon the work of the previous abbot, (...) Luang Pu Sodh Wat Paknam". In the time of Luang Pu Sodh, the temple ordained several monks coming from the United Kingdom, and maintained relations with Japanese Buddhists, especially from the Shingon tradition. Under Somdet Chuang, the temple has ordained people from other nationalities than Thai, both monks and mae chi. Moreover, Wat Paknam has established seven branch centers, both in Thailand and outside of Thailand, in the United States, New York, Los Angeles, Michigan and Philadelphia, and in New Zealand, India and Japan as well. The temples in the United States, some of which are former Christian churches, have been founded from 1984 onward. The temples attract Thai people, as well as Laotians and Cambodians. The international centers mainly emphasize meditation practice.

The Japanese temple, "Wat Paknam Japan", has a Traditional Thai appearance, 32,000 square metres (7.9 acres) wide, with a classic Thai Ubosot hall. In 1957, Luang Pu Sodh had already planned to found a temple in Japan, after a Japanese had ordained as a monk at Wat Paknam. Luang Pu Sodh died in 1959, and was not able to finish his plans, building only the foundations of a temple in Japan. Subsequently, several more Japanese ordained during the time Somdet Pun was abbot. Finally, under the guidance of Somdet Chuang, a full-fledged temple was started in Japan in 1997, through the support of Thai and Japanese. Ceremonies at the temple are joined by 300–400 people, on average, and just like the main temple, people wanting to lead the yearly Kathina ceremonies are reserving many years in advance. Apart from traditional Buddhist ceremonies and meditation, the temple teaches Thai culture, arts and language. The Japan temple has engaged itself in several charity programs. During the Japanese tsunami in 2011, the temple provided shelter and aid, and a medical center was established within the temple, staffed with medical personnel from Thailand. Moreover, the main temple of Wat Paknam in Thailand requested the Thai Sangha nationwide to provide aid to Japan through Wat Paknam Japan. The center has a good relation with the Shinnyo-en movement, and has run charity programs with the movement, such as aid for the victims of the flooding in South Thailand. In recognition of the temple's importance, Wat Paknam Japan was selected as one of the seven temples of the Chiba Prefecture worth visiting.

Wat Paknam has donated considerably to some Thai temples abroad, and has from 2015 onward set up Pali study exams in the United States. Somdet Chuang has also set up cooperative initiatives with Sri Lankan temples, including an ordination program for Sri Lankans in Thailand, and the building of memorials in Sri Lanka at several places of historical significance. In recognition of his merits, Somdet Chuang has received honorific titles from the Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi and Burmese Sanghas.

Layout and construction

Wat Paknam is a 32,000 square metres (7.9 acres) temple complex, with a large number of buildings. The temple's grounds are shaped like an island, surrounded by canals. The temple has a clear separation of the living areas for monks and mae chis. The temple has a kitchen that supplies the food for the inhabitants, a system which was in place since the time of Luang Pu Sodh. Considering the large number of temples in the area, and the dispersed, urban community that supports Wat Paknam, this system has been more convenient than the traditional alms round. Nevertheless, monks of the temple do still go on alms round. Since he took his post as abbot, Somdet Chuang has been active in renovating the constructions at the temple complex, for which there was no expertise available yet during the time Somdet Pun was caretaker abbot.

In 2004, Somdet Chuang took the initiative to start building a huge stupa at the temple, named "Maharatchamongkhon" (Thai: มหารัชมงคล). The name means 'a blessed, great land', and refers to Thailand under the reign of the Royal Family, to which the stupa has been dedicated. The name also refers to Somdet Chuang's honorary name. The 80 meters (260 ft) high stupa has a twelve-sided polygon shape with five floors in it, including another glass stupa, a room with relics, Buddha images and images of respected monks, including that of Luang Pu Sodh. The structure also contains a meditation hall, a museum, a parking lot and a lift. The design is partly based on the shape of Luang Pu Sodh's well-known amulets, and partly on the stupa of Wat Lok Moli in Chiangmai, showing both Rattanakosin and Lanna style influences. Within the top of the Maharatchamongkhon stupa, Pali phrases have been carved into gold, praising mindfulness, moderation, and the upholding of the five precepts. Moreover, the halls within the stupa have been decorated with paintings depicting Buddhist cosmology, based on the legend of Phra Malai and the ancient text Traibhumikatha. The life of Luang Pu Sodh and that of Somdet Chuang are also depicted. The stupa was finished in 2012, costing a total of 500 million baht. It was officially opened by then Princess Srirasmi. After the stupa was finished, Wat Paknam has become a popular attraction for international tourists.