Laos continues to discover a 2-meter tall Buddha statue near the Me Kong River

A Buddha statue at least 2 meters high was unearthed from a sandy area near the Mekong River on May 16 , becoming the largest statue unearthed in the ongoing search for ancient artifacts in Tonpheung district, Bac Ninh province. Bokeo, Laos.

The largest Buddha statue found in Tonpheung district was unearthed on May 16. (Photo: Vientianetimes)

A day earlier, 9 other Buddha statues were also excavated. Among them, one is 30 cm high and 25 cm wide, another is 27 cm high and 18 cm wide, and the third is 36 x 30 cm.

The remaining paintings are respectively 15 x 10cm, 36 x 24cm, 15 x 17cm, 28 x 11cm, 23 x 15cm and 30 x 22cm.

The exact date and origin of these statues has not been determined, but it is believed that they are the ruins of temples and stupas that were part of the town of Souvanna Khomkham 400 - 500 years ago .

The statue is at least 2 meters high, excavated from a sandy area near the Me Kong River. (Photo: Thai PBS)

The Lao government has appointed a national committee of senior officials to ensure that future excavations are carried out professionally, while keeping detailed records of all artifacts systematically and accurately.

Most of the artifacts found so far are made of bronze and all are placed at Thongthip Phatthanaram Temple in Yaitonpheung village, Tonpheung district for safekeeping and close protection.