Wat Mai Chumpol (also known as Wat Mai Prachumpol or simply Wat Mai by locals) is a historic Buddhist temple affiliated with the Maha Nikaya sect, located on the east bank of the Pa Sak River in Nakhon Luang District, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. It sits near the ancient Prasat Nakhon Luang ruins, forming part of a cluster of Ayutthaya-era sites that attract visitors seeking a quieter alternative to the more crowded historical parks in central Ayutthaya.
The temple’s origins trace back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom with construction estimated around 1610–1629. Local legends and historical accounts vary slightly: one tradition holds that it was built during the reign of King Song Tham (1610–1628) to accommodate the royal entourage during a river journey to worship the Buddha’s footprint at Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi Province, as the Pa Sak River served as a key travel route at the time.
The temple complex was significantly restored in 1893 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), reflecting ...
The Si Mahosot Buddha footprints are Thailand’s oldest replica footprints, carved into a large laterite slab. They feature a central Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma) with a swastika-shaped hole, an ancient auspicious symbol. Housed in an open pavilion, they are among the largest in Thailand and are venerated with offerings like flowers, incense, and gold leaf.
These carvings mark the spread of Theravada Buddhism from Sri Lanka to Thailand during the decline of Khmer influence. Discovered in modern times (post-20th century) in Dong Si Mahasot, they reflect a shift from Mahayana to Theravada traditions, symbolizing the Buddha’s presence in an aniconic form.
The Khmer hospital temple (likely part of the Noen Phra or nearby ruins) is a laterite and sandstone structure typical of Khmer architecture. It was one of the 102 arogayasala (hospital temples) built by King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218) across the Khmer Empire to provide medical care and spiritual healing.
Constructed in the 12th–13th centuries, ...
Thai football’s league system traces back to 1916 with the semi-professional Kor Royal Cup, a tournament-style competition. The modern professional era began in 1996 when the Football Association of Thailand launched the Thailand Soccer League (now Thai League 1), featuring 18 clubs in a double round-robin format.
Rebranded as Thai League 1 in 2017, it has grown into a competitive 16-team division sponsored by BYD Auto (BYD Sealion 6 League I). Highlights include Buriram United’s dominant “Buriram Era” (2013-2015, with two unbeaten seasons) and Chiangrai United’s surprise 2019 title. Matches typically occur weekends, with promotion/relegation to Thai League 2, fostering growing international interest.
This Thai League 1 fixture pits Bangkok-based Port FC (known as “The Lions” for their fierce home support) against Chonburi FC (“The Sharks”) at PAT Stadium in Bangkok. It’s a mid-season clash in the 2025/26 campaign, with Port FC hosting as the more established ...
Wat Phanom Yong วัดพนมยงค์
Wat Phanom Yong or the Monastery of Wet nurse Yong is an active monastery located off the city island in the northern area in Tha Wasukri sub-district. It is situated on the north bank of Khlong Mueang, the old Lopburi River.
The history of this monastery is rather vague (as most of the ancient monasteries in Ayutthaya). The monastery was likely built in the reign of King Narai (1656-1688).
The story goes that the area once was a garden owned by a wet nurse of King Narai. This wet nurse (Phra Nom) was named Phrayong. Upon her death a monastery was built and named in her honor. Its initial name was Wat Phranom Yong an aggregation of Phranom and Yong. Around 1923, someone spelled the name of the temple slightly
differently, deviating the original meaning of its original name - local people tended not to pronounce the letter "r" and the temple became known as Phanom Yong. The temple was deserted after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767.
Wat Phanom Yong was ...
