Ancient temple unearthed in Phayao during railway construction
A stunning archaeological discovery in Mueang district, Phayao province, has uncovered an ancient temple dating back around 1,000 years, complete with a beautifully preserved seven-tiered pagoda.
The find, made during construction for a new railway project, sparked both excitement and concern, as residents and local officials rushed to protect the site from potential treasure hunters.
Yesterday, March 24, residents and monks from Baan Chedi Ngam in Tha Wang Thong subdistrict alerted the Department of Fine Arts after construction workers unearthed the ancient site during land reclamation for the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong railway line.
The excavation revealed valuable historical remnants, including bricks, lotus-bud pillar bases, and the impressive pagoda, which stands 2 metres tall with a 1-metre-wide base.
The pagoda, crafted from bricks and cement, remains largely intact.
The site, locally known for generations as Wat That Nok Saew holds significant historical value and is another gem among the ancient temples of Phayao province.
The discovery is particularly notable due to the well-preserved state of the pagoda and other artefacts, shedding light on the region’s rich cultural heritage.
To protect this precious find, villagers, monks, and community leaders have acted quickly to erect barriers around the excavation site, preventing religious artefact collectors and treasure hunters from accessing the area.
The aim is to preserve the historical integrity of Wat That Nok Saew until a thorough investigation can be conducted by the Department of Fine Arts.
In the meantime, the relics, including the pagoda and other artefacts, have been carefully transported to the grounds of Wat Chedi Ngam, where they await further assessment.
The residents and local leaders hope that, with proper preservation, the site can become a historical landmark and potential tourist attraction for the Baan Chedi Ngam community in the future, reported KhaoSod.
As the Department of Fine Arts continues to evaluate the discovery, all eyes are on Phayao, where the potential for uncovering even more ancient treasures remains high.
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