Phra Yai Phu Kok Gnew @Kok Gnew Mountain
“Phra Yai Phu Kok Gnew” (the local name) is a Walking Buddha image on the top of Kok Gnew Mountain in Chiang Khan. The image stands 19 meters tall with a pedestal base 7.2 meters wide. It is cast of fiber mixed with resin, and colored in gleaming gold. The 2nd Army built the Buddha image with help from the locals. It was built as a gift for HM King Bhumibol’s 72nd birthday, and the 50th Royal Coronation Anniversary of the king and queen. Relics from various temples and images were gathered and placed in the base. A royal relic was placed in the head of the Buddha image. The official name (very long) of the image means good fortune to the reign of King Rama 9.
Kok Gnew Mountain is located where the Mekong River first meets the Esarn region of Northeast Thailand. A second river from Laos, Hu-ung River, ends by converging with the Mekong to produce a two-colored stream of water in the river; one darker than the other. The Hu-ung River is a natural border between Thailand and Laos. From the top of the mountain, you can see superb views of the river below and sunsets.
Visitors who would like to pray to the statue can purchase flowers and joss sticks from the nearby vendors for 10 Baht. Don’t forget to visit this towering Buddha image, and watch it gleam under the sun on this mountaintop.
