Song Yae Catholic Church is an important Catholic religious site in terms of history, faith, and architecture in lower northeastern Thailand. Its origin dates back to 1908, when five local families were expelled from their original village due to beliefs and misunderstandings that labeled them as “evil spirits (phi pop).” As a result, they were forced to migrate and seek a new place to live.The group was later assisted by a French Catholic priest of that era, who allowed them to settle and start a new life under the Christian faith. This gradually led to the formation of the Song Yae Christian community, along with the development of the church as the spiritual center of the village.

The present church is the fourth structure, completed in 1947, built entirely through the labor and faith of local villagers without modern machinery. The entire structure is made of local hardwood such as teak, ironwood, and redwood, carefully cut, carved, and assembled by hand.A key feature of the church is its all-wood structure, supported by approximately 360 wooden pillars, capable of accommodating more than 500 people. The roof is covered with over 80,000 wooden shingles, meticulously arranged layer by layer, creating a simple yet powerful beauty.The architecture is a blend of Western Christian design and traditional Isan local art. The building is open and airy, using only natural materials, allowing it to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. Another distinctive feature is the separate wooden bell tower, which is rarely found in Catholic churches in Thailand.

Beyond its religious role, Song Yae Church is the spiritual center of the local Christian community and an important cultural tourism site. One of its most notable events is the annual Catholic mass wedding ceremony held on Valentine’s Day, reflecting love, faith, and the unique identity of the community.Today, Song Yae Church is recognized as one of the largest wooden churches in Thailand and serves as an important learning site for religious history and local architecture in Yasothon Province.

• By car: From Yasothon city center, take Highway 2169 (Yasothon–Loei Nok Tha route), drive through Kuchinarai District for about 7–8 kilometers. You will see a sign for Song Yae Church on the left side. Turn in and continue for about 600 meters to reach the church area.

• very year on February 14th, a Catholic mass wedding ceremony is held, which is a major and unique event of Song Yae Church.

• Visitors should dress modestly and appropriately, as this is a Christian place of worship.

• Please avoid making loud noises within the church area to respect the sacred space and ongoing religious activities.

• You can also visit the local museum inside the temple grounds, which displays antique items and the history of the Song Yae Christian community.

• It is recommended to visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best natural lighting, ideal for photographing the entire wooden church.

Admission fee:

• Free of charge (no entrance fee)

Opening hours:

• Open daily from 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM (Visitors should remain quiet during religious ceremonies).