Wat Ban Rai (วัดบ้านไร่) is a wonderful and marvelous elephant-shaped Buddhist temple, located between Korat and Chaiyaphum in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern Thailand.

Located in the middle of a lake comprising an area of 48,562 square meters, it is one of the most fascinating temples in Thailand. Besides its stunning design in the shape of an elephant, Wat Ban Rai features amazing paints and statues.

The temple was conceived by the revered monk Luang Phor Koon Parisuttho พระเทพวิทยาคม (คูณ ปริสุทฺโธ), who passed away at 92 on Saturday May 16, 2015.

Wat Ban Rai is one of the most significant temples for Isan people as well for all Thais. Worshippers from across the country come there to pay their respect to Luang Phor Khoon.

Wat Ban Rai is a 100 million baht temple (around 2,626,000 euros) which was built from donations and personal contributions.

Photos courtesy of Supanut Arunoprayote, อุทยานธรรมวัดบ้านไร่ and Luang Phor Koon Parisuttho หลวงพ่อคูณ ปริสุทโธ (Facebook).

-Thailand News (TN)