Temple History

Temple History

Wat Sri Suphan is a temple with over 500 years of history, located in the Wua Lai district of Chiang Mai. It is renowned as the site of the world's first silver ubosot, reflecting the Lanna silversmithing heritage passed down through generations.

Founding and Early History

Wat Sri Suphan was founded around1500 AD (Buddhist Era 2043) during the reign of King Phra Kaeo (also known as King Mueang Kaeo) of the Mangrai Dynasty. According to historical records, Phra Nang Siriyasawadi, the Queen Mother, commissioned Mahaamatya Chao Muen Luang Cha Kham to build the temple, naming it "Wat Sri Suphan Aram."

Key Dates in Temple History

• B.E. 2043 (1500 AD) — Temple founded by King Phra Kaeo and Queen Siriyasawadee of the Mangrai Dynasty
• B.E. 2052 (1509 AD) — The assembly hall, ordination hall, and pagoda (Phra Wihan Borommathai) completed; the Phra Chao Jet Tue Buddha image consecrated
• B.E. 2400 (1857 AD) — Received royal designation (Wisungkhamasima), conferring official monastic boundary status
• World War II — Japanese soldiers used the temple as a military base; bullets struck the Phra Chao Jet Tue statue, leaving marks visible to this day
• 1957— Wua Lai village gained national recognition as the home of silversmiths
• B.E. 2543 (2000 AD) — A group of craftsmen trained in Lanna traditions established at the temple
• B.E. 2547 (2004 AD) — Silver Ubosot restoration project began under abbot Phra Kru Phithatsuthikhun, aiming to promote and preserve Wua Lai silversmith heritage
• B.E. 2550 (2007 AD) — Opened the "Sala Sip Mu Lanna" learning center for traditional silver embossing arts
• B.E. 2551 (2008 AD) — Local artisans began covering the ubosot with silver, nickel, and aluminum panels
• B.E. 2552 (2009 AD) — Recognized as a model development temple by the National Office of Buddhism
• B.E. 2559 (2016 AD) —** Silver Ubosot completed, becoming the world's first fully silver-decorated ordination hall**

A Living Heritage
From its 16th-century founding to the 21st-century creation of the Silver Ubosot, Wat Sri Suphan demonstrates the living continuity of Northern Thai Buddhist and artistic traditions. The temple remains a center of faith, craft, and community — a place where history is not merely preserved but actively renewed.

The Collapse of the Ancient Chedi (2022)

On September 29, 2022, the Phra Wihan Borommathai Chedi — a 500-year-old stupa dating to the temple's founding — collapsed after days of heavy rain. The Fine Arts Department investigation revealed that previous repairs and gold paint had trapped moisture inside the structure, weakening it over time. The collapse revealed numerous Buddhist artifacts hidden within the chedi that had never been previously registered, including Ancient bronze Buddha statues, Glass Buddha statues and amulets, Eroded metal pieces inscribed with ancient script, Artifacts of various ages, yet to be fully dated. The Fine Arts Department's 7th Regional Office in Chiang Mai carefully sifted through the debris, registering each discovery. The Ministry of Culture instructed urgent restoration of the pagoda, and dedicated efforts continue to preserve this spiritual landmark.