20/12/2025
Good News for the New Year: "Phra Chao Tong Song Khreung" to Return to Phayao After 65 Years
Phayao Province – Heartwarming news welcomes the upcoming Buddhist Era New Year. The "Phra Chao Tong Song Khreung," an ornate, decorated Buddha image in the distinct Phayao school of art, is prepared to return for enshrinement at Wat Khun Tam in Phayao Province. We join in rejoicing in the great merit performed by Khun Poj Thaphrajan for this noble contribution.
On December 19, 2025, a report from the page of Mr. Jeeradej Sriwiraj (former Chairman of the Thai Buddha Image Admiration Association, Phayao branch) detailed the following:
A delegation led by Khun Phisan Techawiphak (Toy Muang Non), 1st Vice President of the Thai Buddha Image Admiration Association, alongside Khun Nirat Saenwong (Berm Nakornping Art), an expert in Northern Thai Buddha images and amulets, Khun Weerachai Chaijaroen (Joke Lamphun), and Prosecutor Nirun Nantaleet, met with Khun Poj Thaphrajan. The purpose was to inspect and verify the Buddhist iconography of a Chiang Saen-style decorated Buddha image (Phayao Royal craftsmanship) that had been missing for over 65 years, to determine if it was indeed the original lost statue.
Following a request from Wat Khun Tam to the Association, the experts reached a unanimous conclusion: "It is highly likely to be the same image." Regarding this, Khun Poj Thaphrajan expressed no objections. He had previously stated that regardless of the verification outcome, his original intention was to donate the Buddha image to Wat Khun Tam to serve as a spiritual center for the Buddhist community in Phayao. The return will proceed once the image is officially registered with the Fine Arts Department as the property of Wat Khun Tam. Additionally, members of the Thai Buddha Image Admiration Association have come together to contribute funds to join Khun Poj in this merit-making act.
Phayao TV reported that Phra Prasert Kunawaro, the Abbot of Wat Khun Tam, expressed his delight upon hearing the confirmation. He stated that community leaders and the villagers of Tam Nai are overjoyed, as they have waited for this moment for over 65 years. The Abbot thanked all coordinators, the experts who provided historical data, the Association, and especially Khun Poj Thaphrajan for his intent to return the image. The next steps will involve discussions with all parties to ensure a proper and respectful transition.
Congratulations to the people of Phayao on the return of this invaluable cultural heritage, which will remain a precious treasure of the land for generations to come.
Source: Images and information from the pages of Mr. Jeeradej Sriwiraj and Phayao TV.