Wat Chumphon Khiri is located in the Mae Sot Subdistrict Municipality, Mae Sot District, Tak Province. This ancient temple has a history spanning over 200 years and is believed to have been built around the late Thonburi period or the early Rattanakosin period. It once served as the spiritual center for the original local community when Mae Sot was an important border town for both trade and transportation between Thailand and Myawaddy, Myanmar.

 

The name “Chumphon Khiri” carries symbolic meaning: “Chumphon” refers to the gathering of people or community unity, while “Khiri” means mountain a reflection of Mae Sot’s mountainous surroundings. It signifies the unity of the townspeople living amidst a strong and beautiful natural landscape. Inside the ordination hall stands the principal Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, renowned for its graceful appearance and revered by the local community. Locals believe that paying homage to this Buddha image brings good fortune, dispels misfortune, and provides strength to overcome challenges.

 

Another treasured possession of the temple is an ancient drum kept in the viharn, dating back more than 200 years and still in excellent condition. In the past, villagers used the drum to send important signals such as warnings, the start of religious ceremonies, or summoning people during emergencies. It served as a vital means of communication in the days before modern technology.

 

For centuries, Wat Chumphon Khiri has not only been a place for Buddhist ceremonies but also a learning center for children in earlier times. It has been a venue for important local traditions such as Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, the Buddhist Lent, and the End of Buddhist Lent, all of which continue to be celebrated to this day. The temple remains a spiritual anchor for the people of Mae Sot.

 

Conveniently located in the heart of Mae Sot Subdistrict Municipality, the temple is easy to reach from downtown Mae Sot or the Mae Sot–Myawaddy border checkpoint, taking only a few minutes. It is also close to major attractions in Mae Sot, such as Rim Moei Market, the Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge, and Wat Thai Wattanaram. Visitors to Mae Sot often stop by to pay respects to the principal Buddha image, view the ancient drum, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic site.

 

For those traveling to Tak Province, Wat Chumphon Khiri is a must-visit destination offering the chance to worship sacred relics, admire invaluable antiquities, and explore the history of a border town with a legacy spanning more than two centuries.