Summer Storm Topples Hundred-Year-Old Tamarind Tree, Crushing Ancient Sala Sheltering 1,300-Year-Old Reclining Buddha at Wat Phra Chao Tho

A powerful summer storm struck Wat Phra Chao Tho in Hod District, Chiang Mai at 2:30 PM on April 30, 2025, causing a massive century-old tamarind tree to collapse in the temple courtyard and crash onto the ancient "Red Sala," a historic structure housing a 1,300-year-old reclining Buddha image from the era of Queen Jamadevi. The damage is severe and has deeply distressed local residents and devotees.

Wat Phra Chao Tho stands as one of Hod District's most important archaeological monuments, with a long history connected to the legendary ancient city of "Pisalarnakhon" from the Dvaravati period. According to local tradition, Queen Jamadevi traveled through the area on her journey from Lopburi to establish Hariphunchai, and stopped to rest in the Hod region before ordering the construction of a city in commemoration. She had a temple, stupa, and large Buddha image built there—which local people called "Phra Chao Tho," using the Lanna term "tho" meaning "large" or "great."

It is also believed that Queen Jamadevi dedicated merit to the soldiers who died during the journey and named the city "Pisalarnakhon," which eventually became known as "Hod" in modern times. This storm has not only caused damage to temple property but also significantly impacted the invaluable historical heritage of Chiang Mai and the Lanna people. Local residents and relevant authorities are currently assessing the damage and working to develop a rapid restoration plan for the historic site.