San Ta Pha Daeng
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| San Ta Pha Daeng | |
|---|---|
ศาลตาผาแดง | |
| Location | |
| Location | Sukhothai Historical Park, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai Province, Thailand |
  Location in Thailand | |
| Geographic coordinates | 17°00′51″N 99°42′11″E / 17.0143°N 99.7031°E |
San Ta Pha Daeng (Thai: ศาลตาผาแดง), also known as the “Shrine of Grandfather Red Cliff,” is the oldest surviving Khmer-style religious monument in Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai Province, northern Thailand. It dates to the late 12th or early 13th century, likely during the reign of King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire.
History
[edit]San Ta Pha Daeng was probably built as a Hindu shrine during the Angkorian period, reflecting Khmer expansion into what is now northern Thailand. It is one of three Khmer-style structures in Sukhothai Historical Park, alongside Wat Si Sawai and Wat Phra Phai Luang.
Architecture
[edit]The structure is a single laterite tower with sandstone elements, built in the Bayon (Lopburi) style. It stands on a square base with a projecting eastern porch. Although most decorative elements are lost, the layout and structure are consistent with late Angkorian religious architecture. Excavations uncovered several sculptures now kept at the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum.
Conservation
[edit]The shrine has been excavated and stabilized by Thailand's Fine Arts Department. It remains unrestored in form but is preserved as part of the UNESCO-listed Sukhothai Historical Park.
How to get there
[edit]The site lies within the central zone of Sukhothai Historical Park, near Wat Sa Si and the north city gate. It is easily accessible on foot, bicycle, or by electric tram provided by the park.
Gallery
[edit]References
[edit]- "Ta Pha Daeng Shrine – Sukhothai, Thailand," *OrientalArchitecture.com*, retrieved July 2025.
- Tim Kingdom, "San Ta Pha Daeng – Sukhothai’s Khmer Shrine," *TimsThailand.com*, retrieved July 2025.
- Fine Arts Department, "Ta Pha Daeng Shrine (Virtual Park)," *FineArts.go.th*, retrieved July 2025.