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History of Wat Rai Cherntawan
Huai Sak Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand

Background and Location
Wat Rai Cherntawan (a serene sanctuary for mindfulness practice) is located in Ban Mai San Pa Hiang, Huai Sak Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province. It was founded by the Venerable Phra Methee Vajirodom (V. Vajirameethi), a renowned Buddhist thinker, writer, and social developer widely known in Thai society under the pen name "V. Vajirameethi," on January 29, 2009. Originally, the temple was the "Rai Cherntawan International Vipassana Center." Later, on June 30, 2025, it was elevated to the status of a Buddhist temple under the name "Wat Rai Cherntawan," belonging to the Maha Nikaya sect. It is under the patronage of the National Office of Buddhism, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Sangha Council. The first abbot is Phra Methee Vajirodom (V. Vajirameethi), the assistant abbot of Wat Phra Singh Royal Temple in Chiang Rai Province.

Name and meaning
The name "Rai Cherntawan" (meaning "inviting the sun") comes from the word "Rai," referring to the land which was originally an orchard of longan, lychee, and rambutan trees belonging to farmers. Later, when the landowner, with benevolent intentions, donated 8 rai of land to be used as an international Vipassana center, Venerable V. Vajirameethi retained the word "Rai" in the name of this Dharma center to show gratitude and respect to the landowner who had made such a significant contribution. The word "Cherntawan" (meaning "inviting the sun") is a metaphor meaning "inviting the Dharma, which is like the sun, to illuminate life." Therefore, "Rai Cherntawan" means "a beautiful place where the Dharma, like the sun, is invited to illuminate life." In this context, "Dharma" refers to the practice of mindfulness or Vipassana meditation, the noble path to the cessation of suffering according to the teachings of the Buddha.

The temple grounds.
Wat Rai Cherntawan occupies an area of 140 rai and 80 square wa, divided into three sections: the temple grounds (or Buddha's residence), the international Vipassana meditation center for Thai and foreign practitioners, and the Buddhist Economics University (an alternative educational institution for sustainable development based on Buddhist economic philosophy). The area is bordered to the north, east, and south by the Huai Sak Royal Project Reservoir, and to the west by the refreshing Doi Pui National Park.

Vipassana meditation course
Wat Rai Cherntawan is a serene place for practicing mindfulness according to the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna) of the Buddha. It offers mindfulness training to both Thais and foreigners throughout the year, with several interesting courses including:

1. One-day, one-night course (for executives) held monthly.
2. A three-day course (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) held twice a month for the general public.
3. 7-day course (held monthly) for foreigners.
4. A 10-day course (held monthly) for those with prior experience in mindfulness practice.

Wat Rai Cherntawan has a vision to spread Buddhism to the global community through four important missions:

1. Promote education (Education)
2. To spread Buddhism far and wide (propagation).
3. Working Together to Develop Society (Social Development)
4. Fostering values of peace (world peace).

Furthermore, this temple is also home to the Buddhist Economics University (an alternative educational institution for development based on Buddhist economic philosophy), the Rai Cherntawan Foundation, the Vimuttayalai Foundation, and the Foundation for Cultivating Mindfulness as a Habit, all of which are dedicated to teaching mindfulness to Thais and foreigners based on the philosophy that "Peace in the heart spreads out as world peace."

Corporate Communications Department
telephone : 082-804-8954, 081-727-3961, 082-787-1445

"Rai Cherntawan," an international Vipassana meditation center founded by Phra Methee Vajirodom (V. Vajirameethi), was officially recognized as "Wat Rai Cherntawan" on August 12, 2025, with the Governor of Chiang Rai Province presiding over the presentation of the temple's official certificate. This status has significant religious and legal implications, granting the religious institution clear authority and responsibilities in managing its assets, governance, and disseminating Buddhist teachings in a transparent and accountable manner.

This granting of the royal decree also enables the temple to systematically and sustainably enhance its role as a center for spiritual practice, arts, and education for society and youth. It serves as a model of modern temple management that integrates faith with good governance, building trust among Buddhists and the wider public.

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