About 40 village people migrated from Cha-uat district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province and first settled in the area in 1975. At at time the area of Khao Na Nai was under the control of the Communist Party of Thailand. Therefore, the villagers sent their representatives to negotiate with the party regarding living standards in the area.
Later on, the villagers from other areas found out the news and decided to move into the area as well. The Communist Party ended its engagement with the Thai government in 1982 (the Battle of Southern Fire), and the community expanded. Temples, schools, health centers, and the development of utilities were established.
The Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park refers to the monastery and its surrounding areas. Buildings and architecture were all built with the faith and donations of the villagers. Under the leadership of the abbot (Phra Somphong Wachirapanyo), monks and villagers helped one another to clear the surroundings of the areas as an act of proving offerings to the Buddha without getting paid.
They started from building the entrance which is an old-style arch with 9 peaks or, in Thai, Phutthawadi gate. Then they built Roi Yot Phan Ong Pagoda, Phutthasilawadi Hanging Pagoda, and Phuttharachawadi Hanging Pagoda, respectively. Also, the Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park has the intention of completing 7 hanging (Loi Fa) pagodas which would contain the Buddha’s relics.
Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park
Location: Moo 8, Khao Na Nai Village, Ton Yuan Sub-district, Phanom District, Surat Thani 84260 Thailand