Crowds Miss Sunrise Through Phanom Rung's 15 Doorways

More than 500 tourists from across Thailand gathered at Phanom Rung Historical Park in Chaiyaphum District, Buriram province, on the morning of the 9th day of the 9th lunar month to witness the sun rising directly through 15 doorways of the ancient temple. Many had traveled specifically for this auspicious occasion, hoping to experience the natural and spiritual beauty of the phenomenon, which is believed to bring good fortune and renewed life energy. Tourists lined up early with cameras and phones ready to capture the alignment, but when sunrise came, thick clouds caused by seasonal storms obscured the sun entirely.

Although visitors missed the spectacular alignment they had hoped for, most remained satisfied with their experience of the park's atmosphere and architecture. Wanna Ruengwattanaphon, 61, from Pathum Thani province, said she planned to return during the October 5-7 window to try again. Saengsuriya Withayaviroch, 65, from Bangkok, noted this was her second attempt to see the phenomenon, but clouds had blocked the view both times. Park officials acknowledged the disappointment but noted that the alignment occurs only four times per year—during two sunrise windows (March 3-5 and September 8-10) and two sunset windows (March 5-7 and October 5-7)—and visibility depends entirely on weather conditions.

Naphsindhon Bunlom, director of Phanom Rung Historical Park, explained that the 9th day of the 9th lunar month draws large numbers of visitors seeking both the natural spectacle and the spiritual blessings believed to accompany witnessing the first light of day pass through all 15 doorways. He encouraged disappointed tourists to return during the next viewing period, noting that favorable weather conditions would determine whether the alignment could be seen. For more information, visitors can contact the park at 044-666251 or through the Phanom Rung Historical Park Buriram Facebook page.