History of Ayutthaya - Temples & Ruins

WAT PA PHAT (วัดป่าพัด)

Wat Pa Phat or the Monastery of the Fan Quarter was situated on the city island in
the southwestern area of Ayutthaya in Pratu Chai Sub-district. The temple was located at
the confluence of Khlong Chakrai Yai and Khlong Tha Phra aka Khlong Klaep. The
monastery stood on the west bank of Khlong Chakrai Yai and on the south bank of
Khlong Tha Phra.

Wat Pi Rai (no traces anymore) stood in the north opposite of Khlong Klaep, while Wat
J ao Phram (restored ruin) was in the south.

The ancient site was cleared in the early 1970's during construction works of an
expansion project of the (former) Ayutthaya Agriculture School (Withayalai
Kasetrakam). There are no traces of foundations or brick work anymore at ground level
and the temple is classified as disappeared. [1]

Historical data about the monastery and its construction is unknown. The monastery got
its name from the locality it stood and where small and large fans were made from sugar
palm leaves. In the area was also a fresh market called Fan Village Market. [2]

The site is mentioned on Phraya Boran Rachathanin's map drafted in 1926.

A mid-19th century map denominates the location of Wat Pa Phat as Wat Yi Rai. The
oldest map positions Wat Yi Rai just opposite of Wat Salak, on the south bank of
Khlong Klaep. Seemingly through the years there has been a mix-up of the names of
different sites in this area.

Wat Pa Phat must have been located in Approx. geographical coordinates: 14° 20'
47.65" N, 100° 33' 21.19" E.

References:

[1] Bangkok Post - 09 Dec 1972 - Work suspended on Ayutthaya sites. The article
states that “machinery engaged on the Ayutthaya Agriculture School extensions ploughed
up the ruins of at least five temples in the disputed area”. The work at the school was
stopped after students had sent a petition to the NEC. The Director General of the Fine
Arts Department at that time stated he was certain the damage had already been done.
[2] Markets and Production in the City of Ayutthaya before 1767: Translation and
Analysis of Part of the Description of Ayutthaya - Chris Baker - Journal of the Siam
Society, Vol. 99, 2011 - page 66.