Many ancient Buddha statues were found beneath the stupa base at Wat Laem Tai in Chachoengsao Province, estimated to be over 100 years old. This occurred after workers began restoring the stupa due to cracks. The abbot plans to store them in a museum and insists they will not be available for rent or lease by the public.
On 24 May 2026 GMT+7, reporters visited Wat Laem Tai in Na Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chachoengsao Province after hearing that the temple discovered ancient Buddha statues over 100 years old during excavation beneath an old stupa. The excavation was part of preparations to relocate and restore the stupa, which had developed cracks and was tilting, raising safety concerns.
Upon arrival, reporters found workers on the second day of digging beneath the stupa base. On the first day, dozens of ancient Buddha statues from the Rattanakosin period, made of brass and silver, had been found. On this day, smaller votive statues made of wood, brass, and silver plating were also uncovered. Temple officials collected these and stored them in the former abbot's residence for safekeeping.
Phra Kru Thammathorn Chamalong Rojanthammo, the abbot of Wat Laem Tai, revealed that the stupa is believed to have been constructed during the reigns of King Rama III to Rama IV, making it over 100 years old. It remains unclear whether the stupa predates the temple or vice versa. The temple was founded in 1933 CE, but elderly locals say they have seen the stupa since their youth. Yesterday, they invited Phra Thampriyatmuni, aged 88, advisor to the 12th Regional Ecclesiastical Office and former abbot of Wat Pitulatthiratcharangsi, a historian, who assessed that the statues reflect early Rattanakosin art, evident in their materials and distinctive forms, including wood, silver plating, and brass statues.
The excavation beneath the stupa base was prompted by cracks and leaning of the structure. Initially, they planned to raise and move the stupa, but this proved impossible because its ancient base is deeply embedded in the ground. Digging revealed a cavity beneath the base resembling four small chambers, inside which many ancient statues were hidden. After all statues are recovered, they will be cleaned and preserved in the temple museum for public veneration and historical study. Since news spread yesterday, locals have visited and inquired about renting statues, but the abbot firmly stated no statues would be rented out, as they are temple assets and spiritual anchors for the community.
Phra Palad Theeraporn Chotipanyo, a monk at Wat Laem Tai, said that interviews with elderly locals aged 80 to 90 confirmed they have seen this stupa since childhood. Moreover, yesterday Phra Thampriyatmuni, aged 88 and advisor to the 12th Regional Ecclesiastical Office, confirmed the stupa’s antiquity, estimating it to be over 100 years old. Its artistic style resembles that of the stupa at Wat Pitulatthiratcharangsi, with similar decorative patterns and finial bases. Given the limited number of specialist builders in the past, it’s likely the same group of artisans constructed both.
Mr. Sompong Kanjanaruangkit, 49, a local resident who came to see the ancient statues, said he felt a deep reverence and considered it a great blessing to witness these old Buddha images firsthand. He admitted to focusing intently to discern lucky numbers from the statues and other items found, hoping to use them for upcoming lottery draws.
