Description
Wat Sri That (วัดศรีทัศน์) is a lovely, small temple in the Khamin sub-district of Sakon Nakhon. It is walking distance (900m) from one of our favorite Khamin temples Wat Wong Sri Daram, with its large reclining Buddha and interesting statues inspired by Isaan folk art.
Wat Sri That also has curious statues, perhaps the most unique being the Naga serpents, which have flaming red headdresses that appear like a rooster's comb. These Nagas are guarding the temple's beautifully designed Ubosot, outside of which is a small pavilion with an ancient log. Such ancient artifacts are important to locals, who revere their ethnic tribe's past within Sakon Nakhon history. They thus often make merit at these artifacts, calling on the blessings of their ancestors.
Wat Sri That has a secondary gate/entrance that you may notice was built with donations from the Vietnamese community. The village of Ban Tha Rae has the largest number of Vietnamese immigrants, but they also can be found in clusters living in other Sakon Nakhon villages, as well. While most are Christian (and worship at their own churches, such as St. Michael's Cathedral) they have donated money, labor, and time to local Buddhist temples, in order to show respect to the beliefs of their neighbors.
