The Nation reported on March 14 that the Phra That Klang Nam stupa was believed to have been built about 700 years ago on the banks of the Mekong River. By 1847, the stupa had collapsed into the river and was completely submerged under water.
The stupa emerged over the weekend as the Mekong River’s water levels dropped in recent days. Many tourists flocked to Nong Khai province to see the sacred stupa for themselves. Some walked along the riverbank, while others took boats to get a closer look at the stupa.
Phra That Klang Nam stupa appears on the Mekong River. Photo: The Nation
According to the Urangkhathat (Phrathat Phanom) chronicle, Phra That Klang Nam is where the 2.7 m tall bone of the Buddha is enshrined. Due to water erosion, the outer stone part of the stupa is gradually disappearing.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand cited a survey saying that Phra That Klang Nam was a square structure but had broken into three parts.
Meanwhile, Thailand's Ministry of Water Resources said the Mekong River's water level had dropped below 1 meter in some areas due to drought. Authorities warned boats to be cautious when traveling near the stupa.
Local resident Rapin Butsen confirmed that a large number of tourists had arrived in Nong Khai province over the weekend. He added that there were many boats ready to take tourists to visit the stupa at reasonable prices.
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