ABOUT US

About Wat Sacramento Buddhavanaram

A Thai Buddhist temple in the Dhammayut tradition

A Brief History

In 2001 a group of people from Sacramento and the surrounding area had an idea to establish a Thai Buddhist temple. They envisioned a temple that would become a center for both the study and practice of Theravada Buddhism and a place where Thai culture could be preserved and experienced.

The Sacramento Buddhist were joined by a group of missionary monks from Thailand, Phra Suwat Suwattano, Phra Chalerm Suthero, Phra Prayong Achito, from Wat Bhurittat Vanaram, a Thai Temple in City of Ontario, California. The role of missionary monks is traveling to teach Buddhism. During the search they stayed at Wat Phosiesattanak in Sacramento. Together they began to search for a suitable temple site.

The initial group began a program of Buddhist study and practice at 5701 Mt Shasta Court, on property owned by Mrs Sangtean Petersen. A Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation Bylaws was apporved and allowed the creation of Wat Sacramento Buddhavanaram. Oversight of the new temple was the responsibility of Mr Warachai, as head of the management committee, Mrs Pensri Mamolite as Secretary, Phra Prayong as Treasurer, and approximately 240 members.

Wat Sacramento Buddhavanaram operated at 151 South Avenue for many years. During that time, the temple grew in membership and activities. A Thai Language and Culture school opened and over 260 students completed the course during a fifteen year period. In the Fall of 2025, the temple began a move to a new location at 8611 Palladay Road near Elverta, California. As the many needed improvements are made to our new temple it will again grow to serve the needs of Buddhists and Thais in the area.

The Abbot of Wat Sacramento, Phra Khru Sangkarak Chalerm Suthero, leads the monastic community and participates in the management and executive committees in efforts to meet the needs of Buddhist, Thai and community programs.

Wat Sacramento Buddhavanaram is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity (EIN: 68-0458284)

The Monks of Wat Sacramento Buddhavanaram

Phra Khru Sangkarak Chalerm Suthero, Abbot

Phra Khru Sangkarak Chalerm Suthero has been at Wat Sacramento Buddhavanaram since 2001 and has served as the Temple's Abbot since 2007.

Phra Khru Sangkarak Chalerm Suthero was from Buriram province in the northeast region of Thailand and ordained at Wat Nong Muang in 1989.

Phra Ajahn Rayong Thammatharo

Phra Ajahn Rayong was from Sakon Nakhon province in the northeast region of Thailand and ordained at Wat Pa Udomvanaram in 1991.

Phra Ajahn Chalerm Uttamo

Phra Ajahn Chalerm was from Sakon Nakhon province in the northeast region of Thailand and ordained at Wat Pa Sutdhavas in 1991.

Phra Ajahn Poolsak Supalo

Phra Ajahn Poolsak was from Sakon Nakhon province in the northeast region of Thailand and ordained at Wat Pa Phu Noi in 1991.