Culture
Statue of Phra Sivali Found Floating in Chao Phraya River
A 10-kilogram fiberglass statue of Phra Sivali was discovered floating near Wat Thammaram Worawihan in Chai Nat, drawing crowds of locals seeking blessings.
On August 30, 2026, residents gathered at Wat Thammaram Worawihan in Chai Nat province following the discovery of a fiberglass statue of Phra Sivali floating in the Chao Phraya River. According to Khaosod Online, the statue, which weighs approximately 10 kilograms, was found near the temple’s old Likay theater area.
Local residents successfully retrieved the statue and have since been visiting the site to offer prayers, seeking prosperity and good fortune. Many locals noted the resemblance of this event to the legend of Luang Pho Thammachak, a revered Buddha image in Chai Nat said to have once floated upstream. While some residents believe the statue drifted down from the north, others view the discovery as a spiritual omen, with some individuals reporting that they observed numbers on the statue, which they intend to use for lottery predictions.
For travelers and residents, this event highlights the deep-rooted local traditions surrounding river-borne relics in Thailand. While the gathering is currently a site of local religious devotion, visitors should be aware that the area may be crowded as people continue to pay their respects. It remains to be confirmed how the statue originated in the river and what the temple’s long-term plans are for its placement or preservation.