Buddha statue found floating in Thai river sparks local curiosity

A surprising discovery captured the attention of residents in Chai Nat province as a 15-kilogramme Buddha statue was found floating in the Noi River. Locals have now enshrined it at the Sala Ruam Jai, a new pavilion in the village of Ban Tha Bang, Phong Ngam subdistrict, Sankhaburi district.

The statue, with a 12-inch lap and a black appearance reminiscent of Phra Buddha Chinnarat, prompted villagers to flock to the site, lighting incense and praying for good fortune. The numbers 80 and 73 were seen on the statue, while 132 appeared on an incense stick.

Suwaree Thaikhiew, an assistant village head, shared news of the find.

“In the morning, a municipal waste collector noticed a dark Buddha statue floating in the water and alerted us. Upon inspection, we found it and initially hesitated to retrieve it. We called for help, and it was eventually lifted out, weighing over 15 kilogrammes.”

The statue resembles Phra Buddha Chinnarat, according to comparisons made by locals with similar statues at their homes.

The area where the statue was found has been subject to consistent erosion, with the riverbank collapsing each year. Despite annual municipal efforts to stabilise the banks, erosion continues to threaten the nearby roads. Recently, a project to construct a retaining wall to protect the riverbank has started.

The new pavilion, where the statue is now placed, was completed just on November 3. The previous pavilion, located by the riverside, was dismantled to make way for the construction.

A merit-making ceremony is scheduled on November 10 to bless the new pavilion, which now coincides with the enshrinement of the Buddha statue. Villagers believe this unexpected discovery is a positive omen, reported KhaoSod.

Anongsri Semluang, a 69 year old local, explained that the riverbank area has a history of subsidence.

“Elders used to say it was once a crocodile pond and an old temple site. The municipality has tried many times to fill and stabilise the area with piles but it always sinks. Sometimes the ground suddenly gives way with loud cracks, and the bank collapses again.”