Wat Palelai was founded on 3 Apr 1962 by Phrakru Prakassa Dhammakhun, who was also fondly known as Luang Phor, meaning "Venerable Father". Wat Palelai (Wat means "Temple" in Thai) practises the Theravada Buddhist Tradition, in the Meditation Forest Tradition of Thailand.
The name Palelai is derived from the Pali name, Parileyyaka, after Parileyyaka Forest. It reminds us of the occasion when the Buddha went into retreat in the Parileyyaka Forest in search of solitude after the monks in Kosambi did not take his advice in settling a quarrel among themselves. During the period of his retreat in the forest, he was cared for by a monkey and elephant until the monks finally came to their senses and were reconciled.
Thus, Palelai is symbolic of a place of retreat and peace.