Ancient underwater Narai carving opened to visitors in Ubon Ratchathani

UBON RATCHATHANI — 18 May 2026, Thailand's 2nd Army Region has launched an exploration and nature trail route to an ancient underwater carving of "Narai Banthomsin", believed to be the only underwater rock carving of its kind in the country, as part of efforts to promote conservation tourism in Ubon Ratchathani province. The initiative, led by Lt. Gen. Weerayut Raksasin, commander of the 2nd Army Region, followed a route traditionally used by villagers from Khae Don village in Nam Yuen district to reach and worship the site. The route begins from the Phra Yai base of the 23rd Ranger Regiment near Phu Wang Nam Chan monastic retreat and is intended to support sustainable eco-tourism and historical education. The bas-relief sandstone carving, depicting the Hindu deity Narai reclining on the serpent king Ananta Naga, was discovered by chance in 1979 by a local hunter searching for fish in a stream near Khae Don village. Archaeological examinations found the carving portrays Narai reclining on his right side atop a three-headed naga. A lotus bud rises from the deity's navel, while a female figure, believed to represent Lakshmi, appears near the feet. The carving measures about 120 centimetres long and 50 centimetres high and is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. The site is currently overseen by the Fine Arts Office 9 and Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, within Yod Dom Wildlife Sanctuary in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province. The story of "Narai Banthomsin" appears in the Mahabharata epic, describing the end of a cosmic age when all things are destroyed and submerged beneath the ocean before Narai awakens to recreate the world — a belief reflecting longstanding religious faith and cosmological traditions. Following past clashes in the area, the 2nd Development Division and the 23rd Ranger Regiment task force began improving strategic access routes connecting the site to main roads, with plans to develop the area into a conservation and cultural tourism destination. Authorities are also considering community tourism activities linked to the protection of natural resources and antiquities to generate sustainable income for local residents. Each year, a ceremonial offering ritual for Narai Banthomsin is held during the dry season, usually in early March when water levels recede, drawing worshippers from Ubon Ratchathani and across Thailand.