BANGKOK — A Lanna-style Buddha statue that was stolen decades ago, and returned it to Phayao Province on Friday.
Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol presided over the handover ceremony for “Phra Chao Tong”,”Deputy Governor Bumrong Sangkhaw and Director General of the Fine Arts Department Panomboot Chandrachoti attended the ceremony at the National Museum on December 6.
Minister Sudawan emphasized the importance of Phra Chao Tong as a revered symbol of Phayao’s cultural heritage. The statue will be returned to its original location at Wat Si Ping Mueang in Phayao.
Phra Chao Tong or “Luang Por Lor” is a Buddha statue in the Maravijaya posture that is worshipped by the people of Phayao province. The bronze statue, which was originally located at Wat Si Ping Mueang, Village No. 1, Wiang Lo, Lo Subdistrict, Chun District, Phayao, measures 78 cm in width and 110 cm in height. It features a unique blend of Lanna and Sukhothai art styles that were popular in the early 20th and 21st Buddhist centuries.
The statue was officially registered as a national ancient and significant Buddha image under the care of temples. The registration was published in the Royal Gazette, Volume 103, Section 79, on May 12, 1986.
Stolen in 1988
At the end of 1988, the Phra Chao Tong was stolen from Wat Si Ping Mueang and its whereabouts remained unknown for over 36 years. In August 2024, the Fine Arts Department was informed by Wisut Chainaroon, Chairman of the Government Whip, about a Buddha statue resembling Phra Chao Tong that had turned up in a European auction house. Detailed photos and extensive information were provided, which enabled negotiations with the current owner and facilitated the return of the statue to Thailand.
Panombutr Chandrachoti, Director General of the Fine Arts Department, explained that after receiving the statue on October 24, 2024, the department verified its authenticity based on archival photos and records kept by the National Museum Department since 1985. The artwork and features matched those of Phra Chao Tong.
Additionally, scientific analysis revealed traces of paint previously applied to the statue, invisible to the naked eye but consistent with descriptions of Phra Chao Tong before its theft. This confirmed that the recovered statue is indeed Phra Chao Tong, cherished by the people of Wiang Lo, Phayao.
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