History of Wat Thai
One of the first Thai Buddhist temples in the United States, serving the community since 1971.
Wat Thai of Los Angeles, as many people in the community have come to know it, is a Thai Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles. Its official name remains Theravada Buddhist Center, Inc.
The Beginning (1970)
In 1970 (B.E. 2513), a Thai Buddhist monk was invited to Los Angeles by a small group of Thai families who wanted to establish a Thai Buddhist temple in the area. At the time, there were no Thai Buddhist temples anywhere in the United States.
The initiative was led by devoted Thai Buddhists who had settled in Southern California and longed for a place to practice their faith and preserve their cultural heritage. They reached out to the Sangha Supreme Council in Thailand for support.
Phra Dhammakosajarn (Prayudh Payutto) was among the first monks to arrive, bringing with him the traditions of Theravada Buddhism. He, along with other pioneering monks, began conducting religious ceremonies in the homes of Thai families throughout the Los Angeles area.
This grassroots effort laid the foundation for what would become one of the most important Thai Buddhist institutions outside of Thailand.
The First Thai Temple in America (1971)
On July 6, 1971 (2514 B.E.), a suburban house on Sepulveda Boulevard was converted into the first Thai Buddhist temple in the United States. This modest beginning marked a historic milestone for the Thai-American community.
On December 22, 1971, the Theravada Buddhist Center, Inc. was officially incorporated as a nonprofit religious organization in the State of California. This gave the temple legal standing and enabled it to formally serve the growing Thai community in Southern California.
Moving to Cantara Street (1972)
In 1972, the temple moved to 2.2 acres of land on Cantara Street in North Hollywood, providing much more space for worship and community activities. A group of four monks took residence at the new location on May 16, 1972.
The larger property allowed the temple to begin developing the facilities that would serve the community for decades to come, including worship halls, living quarters for monks, and gathering spaces for the community.
Becoming Wat Thai of Los Angeles (1979)
The name was officially changed to Wat Thai of Los Angeles on June 11, 1979, reflecting the temple's growing role as the spiritual center for Thai Buddhists in the region.
A grand ceremony was held on October 21, 1979, for the inauguration of the Uposatha-Sala (Ordination Hall), a significant milestone that allowed the temple to perform all major Buddhist ceremonies, including ordinations.
The Principal Buddha Image
On December 26, 1979, the principal Buddha image was cast at Wat Po in Bangkok, Thailand. This sacred image was transferred to Los Angeles in early 1980 and has since served as the central object of veneration at the temple.
A Full-Fledged Monastery (1982)
On October 17, 1982, a ceremony was held to install the boundary-marking stones (Sema) around the Uposatha-Sala. This ritual, performed by senior monks from Thailand, officially established Wat Thai as a full-fledged monastery capable of conducting all Vinaya acts, including the ordination of monks.
Annual Festivals & Celebrations
Throughout the year, Wat Thai hosts numerous festivals and celebrations that bring the community together and preserve Thai cultural traditions:
Serving the Community Today
Today, Wat Thai of Los Angeles continues to serve the community through a wide range of spiritual, educational, and cultural programs. The temple publishes Duang Pratip magazine, a bilingual publication covering temple news and Buddhist teachings.
The temple operates a Buddhist Sunday School for children and youth, providing instruction in Buddhist principles, Thai culture, and the Thai language. Meditation training is offered throughout the week for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Additionally, the temple runs a vocational school and various educational programs to support the community's growth and well-being. Wat Thai remains a vital link between the Thai diaspora and their cultural and spiritual heritage.