Ubon Province is preparing to open "Phra Phikanesuan Road," promoting it as a dual-land faith landmark of Ubon, becoming a destination of devotion for people across the country from all over.
Today (7 Sep 2026), Mr. Bancha Chantadilok, Chairman of the Devotees and the committee for creating the ancient Khmer-style sandstone statue of Phra Phikanesuan, revealed, "The devotees and the Ban Pak Nam community have jointly created the ancient Khmer-style sandstone statue of Phra Phikanesuan to continue the vision of Luang Pu Phra Mongkol Thamawat (Boonchan Jattasalo), former abbot of Wat Pak Nam, who opened the sacred site of Dong Pa Phra Khaneh and conceived the idea to create the sandstone statue to enshrine and return it to its original land where it was found."
"Currently, the ancient Khmer-style sandstone statue of Phra Phikanesuan has been completed."
"The consecration ceremony will be held on 14 September 2026 starting at 1:00 p.m. On that day, Mr. Narong Thepsena, Governor of Ubon Ratchathani, will preside over the opening ceremony of 'Phra Phikanesuan Road.' The creation of this ancient Khmer-style sandstone statue stems from the faith and deep connection that the Ban Pak Nam community holds for this place, which is historically and spiritually significant to them."
Mr. Bancha Chantadilok further stated, "This ancient Khmer-style sandstone statue of Phra Phikanesuan will symbolize the faith from the community's sacredness to that which is a sacred landmark of Ubon Ratchathani. From a place of devotion, it will become a destination of faith for people nationwide. This statue is not merely a deity statue installed at a location; it is also a spiritual heritage reflecting historical, cultural, artistic, and faith-based tourism values that will bring pride to the people and community. It is an important landmark worthy of recognition as the 'Miraculous Faith Landmark of Ubon Ratchathani.'"
Mr. Bancha Chantadilok added, "On that day, there will be a ritual to enshrine 'Ratchaworaman powder,' a sacred substance connected to Dong Pa Phra Khaneh. According to the beliefs of devotees and the community, this powder is an auspicious material and part of the sacred memories tied to this place. Ratchaworaman powder is believed to have been discovered around 1972-1975 while Luang Pu Phra Mongkol Thamawat, or Luang Pu Boonchan, was meditating in Dong Pa Phra Khaneh, Ban Pak Nam, Bung Saraphang. It is said that Luang Pu prayed to consecrate this auspicious substance from Dong Pa Phra Khaneh to create sacred objects to be enshrined at the Thai-American Friendship Ubosot at Wat Pak Nam, Bung Saraphang."
"Nearly 50 years later, the past story reconnects with the present at an appropriate time. It is a great opportunity for the 'Ratchaworaman powder' to return to the land where it was found and be enshrined inside the ancient Khmer-style sandstone statue of Phra Phikanesuan as a memorial of faith and the community's bond with Dong Pa Phra Khaneh."
Mr. Bancha Chantadilok concluded, "During the event, Ban Pak Nam community enterprise products will be sold, such as Laddu sweets, Motka sweets used for Phra Phikanesuan offerings, sweets processed from Phra Phikanesuan offerings made by students of Ban Pak Nam School, low-smoke incense for Phra Phikanesuan to reduce pollution, and local rice from Ban Pak Nam. There will also be an auspicious consecration and divine ritual for the first batch of Phra Phikanesuan-Rahu Chakrapat amulets. Throughout the Ganesh Chaturthi festival from 14 to 25 September 2026, sandstone Phra Phikanesuan amulet cloths and commemorative cards featuring Luang Pho Ngoen's 700th anniversary and the sandstone Phra Phikanesuan, consecrated in these rituals, will be distributed during the festival."