Storm Fells 100-Year-Old Tree, Damages 1,300-Year-Old Buddha Statue Shrine

Khaosod•Society•81d ago

Reader Briefing

A powerful summer storm in Chiang Mai has caused significant damage to Wat Phra Chao Tho, felling a century-old tamarind tree onto a historic shrine housing a 1,300-year-old Buddha.

•A severe summer storm hit Wat Phra Chao Tho in Mueang Hot District, Chiang Mai, on April 30, 2026.
•A tamarind tree estimated to be 100 years old fell and damaged the ancient 'Sala Daeng' shrine.
•The shrine, which covers a reclining Buddha statue, is over 1,300 years old and dates back to the reign of Queen Jamadevi.
•The incident has caused deep distress to local villagers and devotees, highlighting the impact on a significant historical site.

Overview

•On April 30, 2026, at approximately 2:30 PM, a severe summer storm occurred in the area of Wat Phra Chao Tho.
•The severe summer storm resulted in extreme winds that swept through the area.
•The strong winds caused a tamarind tree, estimated to be 100 years old, to fall.
•The fallen tamarind tree crushed the ancient 'Sala Daeng,' a historical structure used to cover a reclining Buddha.
•The 'Sala Daeng' shrine houses a reclining Buddha statue at least 1,300 years old, dating back to the era of Queen Jamadevi.
•The damage to the shrine is considered severe, causing great distress to locals and devotees.
•Wat Phra Chao Tho is recognized as an important historical site in Mueang Hot District, connected to the legend of 'Phitsadan Nakhon,' an ancient city from Queen Jamadevi's reign.
•Local villagers and relevant authorities are currently assessing the damage and working to find ways to restore the ancient structures as quickly as possible.

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Key Entities

Place

Wat Phra Chao Tho(วัดพระเจ้าโท้)

A historical temple in Mueang Hot District, Chiang Mai, significantly damaged by a storm.

Mueang Hot District(อ.ฮอด)

The district in Chiang Mai province where the notable storm damage occurred at Wat Phra Chao Tho.

Chiang Mai Province(จ.เชียงใหม่)ℹ️

The province in Thailand where Wat Phra Chao Tho is located and the storm caused damage.

Phitsadan Nakhon(พิศดารนคร)

An ancient city from the era of Queen Jamadevi, believed to be the historical predecessor of modern-day Mueang Hot.

Lanna(ล้านนา)ℹ️

The historical kingdom and cultural region in Northern Thailand, of which Chiang Mai and Mueang Hot are a part, and whose heritage was impacted by the storm.

Lavo(กรุงละโว้)

An ancient kingdom in Central Thailand, whose ruler Queen Jamadevi is said to have traveled from to establish Hariphunchai.

Hariphunchai(นครหริภุญชัย)ℹ️

The historical Tai kingdom in present-day northern Thailand, ruled by Queen Jamadevi.

Person

Queen Jamadevi(พระนางจามเทวี)ℹ️

The historical ruler associated with the ancient city of Hariphunchai and the legendary founding of Wat Phra Chao Tho and 'Phitsadan Nakhon'.