According to local beliefs "Wat Tha Mai I" is undergoing major renovation after the abbot had a vision of Lord Grandfather Srisutho and Grandmother Sripatum requesting the construction of a "Naga Palace." Lottery enthusiasts have not missed the chance, coming continuously to ask for luck.
On 30 Oct 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed the atmosphere before the lottery draw at Wat Tha Mai I, Pa Daet Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province. Both Thai and foreign tourists have been visiting the temple to make merit since the end of Buddhist Lent and continue to stop by to make merit and take photos with the newly built Naga Palace featuring Lord Grandfather Srisutho, Grandmother Sripatum, and their attendant figures believed to bring luck around the area.
The temple has renovated its surroundings, which previously had only a fish pond. Later, Phra Kru Sri Wutthikun Dr., the abbot of Wat Tha Mai I, undertook renovations designating the area as the Naga Palace. This was inspired by the abbot's dream in which Lord Grandfather Srisutho and Grandmother Sripatum appeared, asking for the palace to be rebuilt. After waking from the dream, the abbot decided to proceed with the construction, which has been ongoing for over a month.
Phra Kru Sri Wutthikun Dr. said that before the renovation and construction of the Naga Palace, he had a vision and dream of the Nagas where Lord Grandfather Srisutho and Grandmother Sripatum appeared, instructing him to build their statues in front of the temple. In the dream, he expressed concern about not having a sculptor to create them but received no answer before waking just before five a.m.
Two days later, a devotee called the abbot asking if he wanted Nagas. The abbot asked how the devotee knew about the Nagas. The devotee said he didn’t know but called in case the abbot was interested. The abbot then visited the devotee’s home in Ang Thong and saw the Nagas, which exactly matched the dream. He requested to bring those Naga statues to the temple entrance as in the dream.
The entire construction has taken about a month and a half and is now about 70% complete. Remaining work includes decoration, electrical installations, and refurbishing some old damaged temple structures. Devotees from all directions have learned about the construction of the 108 Naga statues, which are beautiful and powerful, leading to a continuous flow of visitors coming to pay respects and ask for blessings.
Especially those fond of gambling and seeking luck come regularly. Some ask the Nagas for success in love, passing civil service exams, or healing from illnesses. They come almost daily despite the project not being fully finished, which is considered truly miraculous.
Since the arrival of Lord Grandfather Srisutho and Grandmother Sripatum at Wat Tha Mai I, devotees have been flocking to make merit in large numbers from the end of Buddhist Lent until now, continuing daily.