Wat Saket, situated in Chaiyaphum Subdistrict on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period. Originally known as Wat Sao Thong Hin, this temple has a historical significance recorded in the royal annals. In 1585, Phrachao Chiang Mai stationed his troops at Ban Saket, present-day Chaiyaphum Subdistrict, during a military campaign. King Naresuan the Great and Somdet Phra Ekathotsarot successfully pushed back Phrachao Chiangmai’s forces, and subsequently, King Naresuan camped his troops at Wat Sao Thong Hin and bathed at the temple’s pool. Hence, the temple was renamed Wat Saket and has retained this name ever since. In 1970, King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit visited the temple to perform royal benevolent acts during the royal pilgrimage.
