Wat Dap Phai () is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is on Singharat Road in Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai district, in the old city of Chiang Mai.
History
The temple was formerly known as Wat Aphai (วัดอภัย) and Wat Tung Kradang (วัดตุงกระด้าง). Sources give different dates for its establishment. One temple history records its construction in 1478 (2021 BE), while another gives 1577 (2120 BE). A later account says that the latter date may not match the artistic style of the Buddha image associated with the temple.
According to a local tradition, a man named Phraya Aphai became ill and did not recover after receiving treatment. He prayed before the Buddha image now known as Luang Pho Dap Phai and recovered. He then supported the restoration of the temple, which was renamed Wat Dap Phai.
Luang Pho Dap Phai
The temple houses a Buddha image known as Luang Pho Dap Phai (หลวงพ่อดับภัย) or Phra Chao Dap Phai (พระเจ้าดับภัย). It is a Buddha image in the earth-touching posture. Thai sources describe it as a Lanna Buddha image in the Chiang Saen tradition. It is made of bronze.
The Buddha image has a particularly long middle finger on one hand. The finger has traces suggesting that it may have been extended. This may be related to the northern Thai practice known as to naeo phra (ต่อนิ้วพระ), in which a finger of a Buddha image is extended.
Architecture and water well
The temple has buildings in the Lanna style. A water well is located in front of the vihara. Local accounts describe the water as sacred. According to a local account, when Inthawarorot Suriyawong, the eighth ruler of Chiang Mai, returned from Bangkok, water from the well was taken for a Buddhist water-blessing ceremony. He then went to Wat Chiang Yuen for a ceremony related to his horoscope.
Religious ceremonies
Wat Dap Phai holds annual ceremonies, including sado khro (สะเดาะเคราะห์) and suep chata luang (สืบชะตาหลวง). The suep chata luang ceremony is associated with Lanna traditions and is intended to bring good fortune and protection to those who take part. The 2025 ceremony was the 94th annual event held jointly by Wat Dap Phai and the Chiang Mai provincial monastic community.
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