| Wat Sai | |
| Native Name: | Wat Sai |
| Sect: | Theravāda Mahā Nikāya |
| Map Type: | Thailand Bangkok |
| Location: | 11 Soi Ekkachai 23, Ekkachai rd, Bang Khun Thian, Chom Thong, Bangkok 10150 |
| Religious Affiliation: | Buddhism |
| Country: | Thailand |
| Functional Status: | Civil temple |
| Year Completed: | 1703 |
Wat Sai (Thai: วัดไทร, formerly spelled วัดไซ, in Thai pronounced as /wát sāj/) is an old Buddhist temple in Bangkok.
It was created in 1703 during the Ayutthaya period, but the name of the founder is not known. It belongs to the Mahā Nikāya branch of Buddhism.
In 1708, the temple received the Wisungkhamsima and was officially promoted as a community place of worship.
Wat Sai is considered one of the famed temples in the Chom Thong area, along with nearby Wat Nang Nong and Wat Ratchaorot.[1]
There are many interesting Buddha images housed inside vihara (sanctuary).[2]
Another interesting attraction is Tamnak Thong (ตำหนักทอง, "gold painted mansion"), kindly dedicated by King Sanphet VIII. The 29th king of Ayutthaya, more commonly known as Phra Chao Suea (พระเจ้าเสือ, "tiger king"). As the name implies, the wooden house was decorated with gold painting on black resin lacquer and some parts were probably cover with gold leaves. There is also an old ubosot (ordination hall) built in the Ayutthaya style and it has been maintained in its original style.
Adjacent to the old ubosot that was built with ceramics in Rattanakosin style. Combination of splendors between two styles of equally spectacular arts from two different periods.[3]
Beside the temple next to the canal Khlong Dan, is the location of Wat Sai floating market. It was once a busy and lively floating market where farmers came and sold products on boat. It was known as the greatest and most famous floating market of the era in the central region. In late 1964, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) took the Japanese crown prince Akihito (later Emperor Akihito) and his wife princess Michiko, to visit this floating market as well.[4]
Wat Sai floating market gradually became less active around 1977, and today, the status of a floating market has completely disappeared.[4] [1] It had become nothing more than a bustling morning land market. The only evidence of its glorious past is a wooden nameplate hangs above the market entrance.[5]