Ku Sunthararam Khmer Ruin

The laterite enclosure around Ku Sunthararam (กู่สุนทราราม) is nearly complete, which isn’t often the case in Thailand, but that’s the only Khmer era structure visible here. Concrete fills in some gaps in the wall, but it has aged so much that it’s not immediately noticeable. In 1956 a 29m-tall Buddha statue was built over what remained of the toppled laterite tower(s) and there’s a big modern arched gate in typical Thai temple style where the eastern gopura once was. Because of this, the Fine Arts Department is unable to estimate a date (or artistic style) beyond saying it probably falls into the range of 11th to 13th centuries CE. The U-shaped moat was completely filled in to give the temple more land.

Large Buddha surrounded by laterite enclosure at Ku Sunthararam Khmer Ruin
Back of large Buddha surrounded by laterite enclosure at Ku Sunthararam Khmer Ruin
laterite enclosure joining modern gateway of Ku Sunthararam Khmer Ruin
laterite enclosure joining modern gateway of Ku Sunthararam Khmer Ruin
Picture of carrying elephant and cat proverb at gateway of Ku Sunthararam Khmer Ruin
Bells and gone alongside laterite enclosure at Ku Sunthararam Khmer Ruin
Bells alongside laterite enclosure at Ku Sunthararam Khmer Ruin

Location – Wat Ku Suntraram, Ban Sanam, Tambon Suea Kok, Amphoe Wapi Pathum, Maha Sarakham Province
Other Names – Ku Ban Sanam (กู่บ้านสนาม)

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