Nakhon Phanom:Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire that ignited the necklace of the sacred Naga statue, a revered landmark in Nakhon Phanom. It is suspected that someone ignited it with fireworks. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished promptly, and no one was injured. The municipality is cleaning up the area and will replace the necklace with a new one to restore its beauty.
According to Thai News Agency, a fire broke out around 4 AM on the necklace or ornament worn around the neck of Phaya Sri Sattanakarat, a sacred landmark on the banks of the Mekong River in the Nakhon Phanom municipal area, Nakhon Phanom Province. The incident caused panic among the public and devotees who respect and worship Phaya Sri Sattanakarat. The necklace, made of silk and cotton with beads, was completely destroyed.
The cause of the fire is believed to be an accidental combustion of fireworks during the final night of the Loy Krathong festival, which resulted in the Buddha amulet's necklace catching fire. The Phaya Sri Sattanakarat statue, being made of brass, remained undamaged. The exact cause is still under investigation, pending the examination of evidence and CCTV footage to determine whether it was an accidental fireworks incident or if other factors were involved.
Initially, the Nakhon Phanom Municipality is urgently investigating the incident, preparing to clean up the soot and smoke, and replacing the damaged necklace with a new one to restore its beauty. They are also implementing measures to prevent a recurrence. The necklace, valued at 20,000-50,000 baht, is donated and replaced every two months According to donors' faith.
The Phaya Sri Sattanakarat statue is a significant landmark of Nakhon Phanom province. Located on the banks of the Mekong River within the Nakhon Phanom municipal area, it is a sculpture of a seven-headed serpent that is revered by locals and tourists from all over the country. Many people visit to pay their respects and ask for blessings, especially during important festivals and long holidays.