Wat Phi Chai

Wat Phichai is located at No. 209, Ban Phichai, Village No. 1, Phichai Subdistrict, Mueang Lampang District, Lampang Province. It belongs to the Mahanikaya sect of Thai Buddhism. The temple occupies a total land area of 16 rai and 85 square wah, with land title deed number 2872. The surrounding boundaries are as follows: to the north lies a public road, to the south is private land, to the east is also private land, and to the west is a mix of private land and a public road. The temple grounds include key religious structures such as an ordination hall (ubosot), a sermon hall (sala kan prian), and three monks’ residences (kutis).

 

Wat Phichai was founded in 1782 (B.E. 2325) by Khruba Chao Pho Tha and a group of villagers who had migrated from Chiang Saen. The temple was granted wisungkhamsima, the official boundary for monastic ordination, on July 16, 1970 (B.E. 2513), covering an area measuring 40 meters in width and 80 meters in length.

 

Since its establishment, the temple has been governed by nine abbots. These include Khruba Chao Pho Tha, Khruba Chao Intha, Khruba Chao Thamchai, Khruba Chao Yanrangsri, and Khruba Chao Thamsena. Between 1922 and 1970 (B.E. 2465–2513), the temple was led by Phra Khru Phichai Mongkhon, followed by Phra Athikan Boonyong Ophasō from 1980 to 1983 (B.E. 2523–2526). From 1983 (B.E. 2526) onward, Phra Athikan Arun Chittapunyo served as abbot, succeeded by the current abbot, Phra Athikan Thongkham Thammathano. In addition to its religious functions, Wat Phichai also accommodates a primary school on its premises.