Customs and culture

Uthai Thani is an important archeological site which has been inhabited by large numbers of people since prehistoric times. There is evidence confirming the prosperity of Uthai Thani in the Tahavaravadi Period (6h-7th centuries AD) when Buddhism spread to the region. The town then followed the contemporary culture of The Sukhothai Period.

The major religious artifact found in Uthai Thani was a trikai Buddhist statue, or Phara Trai Rattanamahayan, found at Tambol Donkhwang.
this shows that Buddhism had grown and spread throughout the ancient community and assumed the deep roots that it enjoys to this day. Also many temples emerged , namely Sangkat Rattankhiri, Uposatharam, Phichai Paranaram (Wat Krang), Thamkhosok (Wat Rongkho), Mai Chantharam (Wat Pha Neid) and Ammarita Waree (Wat Nongnam Khan).


The ethnic Karen migrants also had religious places built in all four directions of the compass, namely Huamak Temple in the North, Yang Temple in The West, Chaeng Temple in the East and Hua Mueang Temple in the South.

A huge pond was dug in the southern part of the town to collect water for the dry season. However, nowadays only ruined remains of the pagodas at Wat Chaeng and Wat Hua Mueang can be seen, and the old pond is now a paddy field. Nevertheless the Karen community preserved a great deal of their culture and it remains part of the pride of Uthai thani.


The Morn ethic group also migrated to this area during the reign of King Rama II. Approximately 15 Morn villages can be found in Uthai Thani. Their customs and traditons have been preserved until the present day.

Chinese immigrants lived along the watershed of the Sakae Krang River and became an importan part of the community during the Ayutthaya Period. King Taksin depended on them during times of war. More Chinese arrived in the eraly Rattankosin period with the expansion of land routes and water trade by boats such as junks. They appointed their own Distirct Chief ot oversee their well being. The Chinese community waas referred to as " Sikiakan" or Sakaekrang" and They had their own unique ustoms and traditions, traces of which can sitll be found today, namely Chinese shrines suchas " Chao Mae Thap Thim" "Chao Pho Kuan-u" and " Hok Sae Tueng" and the opium dens.

Another well-known Buddhist ceremony in Uthai Thani is the Dhevo Alms-giving ceremony at the end of Buddhist Lent, especially at Sangkat Rattana Khiri Temple. Other significant festivals are the Altar Decoration of Ivory, The food and Sweet Tray Procession, The Flower Procession at Ban Rai, and the Cattle and Buffalo Soul Calling at Nong Kha Yang

Other kinds of entertainment are folk singing at Ban Tapo-Phansi, the Nang Kwak-Nang Dong song and folk plays, or Li-ke