Fine Arts Office 10 requests statue removal at Prasat Sra Kampheng Yai

Khaosod•Society•1d ago

Reader Briefing

Fine Arts Office 10 Nakhon Ratchasima is seeking the removal of unauthorized constructions and sculptures at the Prasat Sra Kampheng Yai ancient site.

•Fine Arts Office 10 Nakhon Ratchasima reported that Wat Sra Kampheng Yai built structures within the ancient site without written permission from the Director-General of the Fine Arts Department.
•The ancient site Prasat Sra Kampheng Yai is located in Utumphon Phisai District, Sisaket Province.
•The temple has refused removal requests, claiming the site is within temple grounds and the Fine Arts Department lacks authority to order demolition.
•A formal letter requesting the removal of installations and site restoration was sent to the Abbot of Wat Sra Kampheng Yai on June 4, 2026.

Overview

•Prasat Sra Kampheng Yai in Utumphon Phisai District, Sisaket Province, is described as the 4th largest castle in Thailand, excluding Prasat Preah Vihear.
•Fine Arts Office 10 Nakhon Ratchasima stated that Wat Sra Kampheng Yai initiated and carried out constructions without written permission from the Director-General of the Fine Arts Department.
•Wat Sra Kampheng Yai claimed that the constructions were outside the approximately 6 rai 3 ngan area registered as an ancient site by the Fine Arts Department.
•Fine Arts Office 10 Nakhon Ratchasima inspected sculptures installed in the southwest area on May 28, 2026, finding them inconsistent with the context of the ancient site.
•Fine Arts Office 10 Nakhon Ratchasima sent a formal letter to the Abbot of Wat Sra Kampheng Yai on June 4, 2026, requesting the removal of installations.
•As of July 20, 2026, Wat Sra Kampheng Yai has not yet carried out the demolition, leading to complaints about the landscape in online media.
•Fine Arts Office 10 Nakhon Ratchasima will send another formal letter to Wat Sra Kampheng Yai requesting the removal of installations or constructions affecting the landscape.

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Key Entities

Organization

Fine Arts Office 10 Nakhon Ratchasima(สำนักศิลปากรที่ 10 นครราชสีมา)

The government body responsible for inspecting and coordinating the preservation of the Prasat Sra Kampheng Yai ancient site.

Wat Sra Kampheng Yai(วัดสระกำแพงใหญ่)

The temple that constructed installations at the Prasat Sra Kampheng Yai site without official permission.

Fine Arts Department(กรมศิลปากร)ℹ️

The department that registers ancient sites and determines their boundaries.

Place

Prasat Sra Kampheng Yai(ปราสาทสระกำแพงใหญ่)

An ancient site in Utumphon Phisai District, Sisaket Province, listed as the 4th largest castle in Thailand excluding Prasat Preah Vihear.

Utumphon Phisai District, Sisaket Province(อ.อุทุมพรพิสัย จ.ศรีสะเกษ)

The location of the Prasat Sra Kampheng Yai ancient site.

Prasat Preah Vihear(ปราสาทพระวิหาร)ℹ️

A castle excluded from the ranking of the largest castles within Thailand's borders.

Person

Abbot of Wat Sra Kampheng Yai(เจ้าอาวาสวัดสระกำแพงใหญ่)

The head of Wat Sra Kampheng Yai who was contacted by Fine Arts Office 10 Nakhon Ratchasima regarding the removal of constructions.