Wat Chai Si, also known as "Wat Tai" (Southern Temple), is located in Ban Sawathi and occupies approximately 8 rai (about 3.2 acres). Historical records indicate the temple was established around 1865. The main chapel (sim), according to elderly residents, was likely built around 1900. It received its royal charter (Visungkamsima) in 1917. Luang Pu Onsa, the first abbot, designed and led the villagers in its construction.

The chapel's lower base and walls are constructed of brick and plaster, while the upper part, including the roof, was originally entirely wood. The doors and windows are carved. The murals are the work of a local artist named Thong Thipcha from Borabue District, Maha Sarakham Province. He painted them according to Luang Pu Onsa's instructions. The inner walls mostly depict past Buddhas, the story of Maha Vessantara, Sangkhasinchai, deities, and various animals. The outer walls depict the eight hells (pits) and scenes from the local folk tale of Sangkhasinchai. Its distinctive features include... The artwork is in a folk style, painted with natural pigments.

The most interesting aspect is the beautiful and unique mural paintings both inside and outside the church. These are the work of a local artist from Maha Sarakham, Mr. Thong Thipcha, who used pigments, primarily yellow and indigo (blue), creating a visually pleasing effect. The exterior murals depict stories of Phra Vessantara, the Seven Hells, and the folk tale of Sangsinchai. The interior murals portray the past Buddhas, Phra Vessantara, and the story of Sangsinchai. According to traditional custom, women were forbidden from entering the church. Due to the folk artistry, the paintings emphasize the emotions of the figures, with exaggerated proportions and playful, acrobatic poses, resembling cartoons.

The style of painting emphasizes exaggerated proportions and a joyful, playful tone. The characters are depicted in dynamic poses. The exterior murals depict the Eight Hells, Phra Vessantara, the folk tale of Sangsinchai, and guardian figures. The interior murals depict the life of the Buddha, featuring gods, humans, and various animals. However, temples in rural areas generally maintain their traditional customs. Women are not allowed inside the temple, and Wat Chaiyasi is one temple that still maintains this tradition. The architectural style of the ancient ordination hall was originally in the Isan style with protruding eaves. Later, the roof deteriorated, so the villagers jointly renovated it in the Rattanakosin style, which did not provide adequate protection from the sun and rain, causing some of the murals on the exterior walls to fade. However, the Fine Arts Department later added side wings to the temple and raised the floor to prevent water erosion of the foundation.

• From Khon Kaen city center, take Maliwan Road (heading towards Chum Phae district). Turn right at the intersection into Sawathi Subdistrict. Drive straight for approximately 7 kilometers, and you will see the entrance to the temple located within the Sawathi village community.

• It is best to visit in the morning or late afternoon for beautiful light to photograph the murals on the exterior walls.

• Because the sim (temple) is small and an ancient site, women may have restrictions on entering certain areas inside the sim (according to local beliefs). Please observe any signs.

• The village of Savathi also offers homestay accommodations and interesting cultural learning centers.

Admission Fees:

• There is no entrance fee.

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.