Community History/Location

Originally, Baan Phra Bat Huai Tom was named ‘Baan Huai Khow Tom’, and was formed as a proper village, but just featured a monastery (named Luang Pu Kruba Wong lent). In the past, Luang Pu Kruba Wong travelled around by walking between each of the villages of Paka kao Yo found throughout the hills of the northern provinces of Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Lamphun Province. As a result, many villagers grew to respect and follow Luang Pu Kruba Wong. Until Kruba Chaiyawongsa began to stay at Wat Phra Phutthabat Huai Tom, there was a lot of followers from Paka Kao Yo who came to stay and settle down at Baan Phra Bat Huai Tom. Eventually, they began to eat vegetarian food just like Kruba Chaiyawongsa who pointed out the disadvantages of consuming meat and taught and inspired the people of Paka Kao Yo to change their diet. As a result, the villagers started to believe in Buddhism instead of ghosts. Phra Bat Huai Tom is another peaceful community area which has a way of life closely linked to Buddhism and the doctrines of the Buddha and was officially designated as a village in 1975.

Location: Na Sai Sub-district, Lee District, Lamphun Province

Primary Occupation

• Agriculture

Secondary Occupations

• Weaving
• Silverware Forging
• Knife Forging

Culture and Traditions

The robe-changing ceremony of Khru Bachaiyawongsapattana (Khru Bawong) is a tradition held annually on 15-17 May at the Phra Buddha Bat Huai Tom Temple. Disciples, monks and villagers invoke the body of Luang Pu Khru Bawong, which has not decomposed, to the ceremony for changing the robe of the body. This is a large and significant ceremony for the people of Phra Bat Huai Tom and has been practiced here by the locals since 2001.

Community Features and Identity

The community is composed of more Pga K’nyau Po than Pga K’nyau Sakaw people. Perhaps the most striking feature of their culture is their traditional Pga K’nyau costumes. Made from backstrap looms, these long dresses are made with attractive patterns – depending on the skill of the weaver – and then made even more impressive by adding tassels. If you visit the community, you will be immersed in the diverse lifestyles of Pga K’nyau that are deeply tied to Buddhism, which is highly respectable. In addition, the community has young guides available who can offer their services – a great source of information during your tour of their community!

Community Products

• Various textiles
• Silverware such as silver rings and necklaces