Ancient Stupa Cracks Open to Reveal Treasures: Hundreds of Buddha Images Hidden in 4 Underground Chambers, Estimated Over 100 Years Old

Excitement spread through the community as an ancient, cracked stupa at Wat Lam Tai in Samut Prakan Province's Muang District yielded a treasure trove of Buddhist statues—brass, silver, and wooden Buddha images—hidden in four underground chambers estimated to be over 100 years old. The discovery occurred on May 24, 2025, during excavation work beneath the stupa, which had developed severe cracks and was tilting dangerously.

Workers are now in their second day of excavation. On the first day, they uncovered dozens of ancient Buddha statues from the Rattanakosin period in both brass and silver. On the second day, smaller Buddha images made of wood, brass, and silver-plated materials were discovered. Temple officials have secured the artifacts in the former abbot's quarters for safekeeping.

Abbot Phra Kru Tham Thorn Jamlohng Rojnathammohna stated the stupa likely dates from the reign of King Rama III to King Rama IV, making it over 100 years old. However, it remains unclear whether the stupa predates the temple's construction in 1933. When questioned, elderly residents recalled seeing the stupa since childhood, and a visiting historian, 88-year-old Phra Tham Pariyatti Munee, confirmed it represents early Rattanakosin period craftsmanship based on the statues' materials and distinctive forms.

The excavation was necessitated by severe structural damage. Initial plans to move the stupa intact proved impossible due to its ancient foundation buried deep underground. Beneath the base, workers discovered four small chamber-like cavities containing numerous hidden Buddha images.

Once all artifacts have been retrieved, they will be cleaned and preserved in the temple museum for public veneration and historical study. The abbot emphasized the statues will not be made available for rent, as they constitute the temple's property and serve as spiritual anchors for the community. When news spread yesterday, locals flocked to view the discoveries, with some even attempting to request access to the artifacts.

Evidence from elderly residents aged 80-90 and historian Phra Tham Pariyatti Munee confirms the stupa's age exceeds 100 years. The artistic style closely resembles that of nearby Wat Pitulathirath Rungsit, with similar decorative patterns and base designs, suggesting they may have been constructed by the same master craftsmen.

One 49-year-old visitor, Sompon Kanchanaruangkit, expressed reverence at witnessing the ancient Buddha images firsthand, and admitted attempting to extract lucky numbers from the artifacts for an upcoming lottery draw.