Wat Chai Thararam (Wat Chalong), Phuket.

🛕 Wat Chalong is a sacred and ancient temple that has been a cornerstone of the Phuket community for a long time. It was famously led by Luang Por Cham, who was renowned for his healing abilities and great compassion. Although he passed away over a hundred years ago, his reputation and virtues remain in the memories of the people and continue to be a spiritual refuge, especially for the residents of Phuket to this day. There is a story that Luang Por Cham led the villagers in fighting against the Chinese rebels (Ang Yi) who were causing trouble and attempting to take over Phuket. He distributed protective talismans to the villagers to safeguard them and boost their morale, leading to their victory. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) learned of this and bestowed upon Luang Por Cham the ecclesiastical title of "Phra Kru Wisutwongsajarnyanmuni," making him the highest-ranking monk in Phuket at that time. The temple was also renamed from Wat Chalong to Wat Chai Thararam. Additionally, Phra Kru Wisutwongsajarnyanmuni (Cham) was granted a ceremonial fan of rank equivalent to that of a high-ranking monk. Luang Por Cham passed away in 1908, and upon his death, it was found that he had only 50 coins left. His funeral was the grandest ever held in Phuket, and possibly the entire southern region.