Special Report - Luang Pho Phra Sai Amulet from Wat Pho Chai, Nong Khai Province

The Luang Pho Phra Sai is a golden Buddha statue with a magnificent appearance, seated in a meditation pose with a victorious stance. Currently housed in the temple's ordination hall, it is believed to have been cast during the Lan Xang Kingdom period when Buddhism was flourishing. The statue was originally created alongside two other statues, Phra Suk and Phra Soern, and was specifically designed for ceremonial processions, featuring three circular rings for attaching ropes. Approximately 60 years ago, the original valuable headpiece was stolen and replaced with a new one. The temple also features 20 wall paintings depicting the history of the statue's creation, which relates a miraculous story of its casting during the reign of King Chai Chettha Thiracha between 1550-1572. The statue has a rich historical significance and is central to an important annual Songkran festival tradition in Nong Khai, where it is ceremonially paraded around the city.