A Buddha statue standing at least 2 meters tall was uncovered from a sandy area near the Mekong River on May 16, marking it as the largest statue discovered in the ongoing search for ancient artifacts in Tonpheung District, Bokeo Province, Laos.
The largest Buddha statue found in Tonpheung District was excavated on May 16. (Photo: Vientianetimes)
Just a day prior, nine other Buddha statues were also excavated. Among them, one measured 30 cm in height and 25 cm in width, another stood 27 cm tall and 18 cm wide, and a third measured 36 x 30 cm.
The remaining statues varied in size, measuring 15 x 10 cm, 36 x 24 cm, 15 x 17 cm, 28 x 11 cm, 23 x 15 cm, and 30 x 22 cm respectively.
The exact dating and origin of these statues have yet to be determined, but it is believed that they are remnants of temples and stupas that were part of the town of Souvanna Khomkham 400 to 500 years ago.
The statue stands at least 2m tall, excavated from a sandy area near the Mekong River. (Photo: Thai PBS)
The Lao government has appointed a national committee comprising senior officials to ensure that future excavations are conducted professionally, while also maintaining a detailed and systematic record of all artifacts.
Most of the artifacts discovered so far are made of bronze and are currently housed at the Thongthip Phatthanaram temple in Yaitonpheung Village, Tonpheung District, for safe storage and strict protection.
