Wat Thammathipatai is an important temple located in the heart of Uttaradit, at the intersection of Injaimee Road and Samranruen Road, covering an area of over 19 rai 24 square wah. The temple sits on flat land within a community, with clearly defined boundaries connected to main roads, making it easily accessible.

The most outstanding highlight is the “carved wooden doors of Wat Phra Fang”, a masterpiece of Ayutthaya-period craftsmanship. Made from pradu wood, each door measures 2.2 meters wide, 5.3 meters high, and 16 centimeters thick, intricately carved with kanok vine motifs and seven rice-offering bush patterns, complemented by delicate leaf motifs. These doors are widely regarded as the second most beautiful carved wooden doors in Thailand,รอง only to those at Wat Suthat in Bangkok, and were relocated from Wat Phra Fang Sawangkhoburi Muneenat for preservation.

Another unique feature is the Thammasapha building, a two-story concrete structure measuring 19.30 meters wide and 40.30 meters long. Constructed between 1948 and 1950 during the era of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, it is considered the first building of its kind in Uttaradit and the first “Thammasapha” in Thailand. Designed based on ancient Buddhist concepts, it integrates seven functions within one building: ordination hall, vihara, sermon hall, school, chanting hall, scripture hall, and Dhamma association. The project was initiated by Phra Suthammethee (Banlue Dhammathacho, Pali Level 8) and received royal patronage from Queen Rambhai Barni, who presided over the consecration ceremony on November 3, 1949.

Inside the Thammasapha enshrines “Luang Pho Chiang Saen”, a highly revered Buddha image. It serves as the principal Buddha in the ordination hall, with a lap width_ of 38 inches and height_ of 67 inches, depicted in the Mara-Vijaya posture. Cast in pure bronze, it represents Sukhothai art of the middle period, over 700 years old. The image was relocated from Wat Ratchaburana Ratchaworawihan in Bangkok after damage caused during World War II in 1942.

Luang Pho Chiang Saen is also one of the two most important Sukhothai-period Buddha images in Uttaradit. The other, “Luang Pho Sukhothai Samrit,” is housed at Wat Khung Taphao but is not open to the public, making Wat Thammathipatai the only place where visitors can pay close respect.

Historically, the temple was originally named “Wat Tha Sai”, located along the Nan River in the Tha It Lang area (Ban Bang Pho Nuea). Due to severe riverbank erosion, the temple was relocated approximately 2 kilometers inland to its current site, which was once filled with large tamarind trees. It was then renamed “Wat Ton Makham” in 1802.

Later, on May 24, 1939, Phra Suthammethee was appointed abbot. As the temple had become centrally located in the city and the original tamarind trees no longer existed, he proposed renaming it to better reflect its status. The temple was officially renamed “Wat Thammathipatai”, a name it has retained ever since.

Today, Wat Thammathipatai stands as a significant center for learning about Thai art, history, and Buddhism, featuring national-level wood carvings, innovative architecture, and ancient sacred Buddha images, all within a peaceful and shaded atmosphere ideal for cultural tourism and study.

• By car: Located in downtown Uttaradit at the intersection of Injaimee and Samranruen Roads, easily accessible with clear signage

• Best time to visit: 09:00 – 11:30 AM for cooler weather

• The ancient doors are kept indoors; ask staff for access

• Dress respectfully as it is a sacred site

• Allocate about 30–60 minutes for your visit

• Donations are welcome to support maintenance

Admission Fee:

• Free (donations are appreciated)

Opening Hours:

• Open daily: 08:00 – 17:00