Fire damages sacred naga statue’s ceremonial necklace in Nakhon Phanom

NAKHON PHANOM — 28 October 2026, A fire damaged the decorative necklace worn by the revered Phaya Sri Sattanakkharat statue, a prominent naga statue landmark along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom, early on 28 October. Authorities are investigating the cause, with fireworks suspected as a possible trigger.

The fire broke out at around 04:00 at the statue, located along the Mekong riverfront in Nakhon Phanom municipality. The necklace, made of silk and cotton fabric decorated with beads, was completely damaged by the flames.

Officials suspect fireworks set off nearby during the final night of the annual illuminated boat festival may have ignited the flammable materials. However, the cause has not yet been confirmed.

The bronze statue itself was not damaged by the fire, although its surface may have been affected by smoke and soot.

Niwat Chiawiriyabunya, mayor of Nakhon Phanom municipality, said officials would conduct a detailed investigation into whether fireworks had been set off in the vicinity. He believes the incident was accidental rather than intentional.

The municipality is preparing to clean and polish the bronze statue to remove soot and restore its appearance. Officials also plan to install a replacement necklace and introduce preventive measures to reduce the risk of a similar incident.

The ceremonial necklace is estimated to be worth between 20,000 and 50,000 baht. Devotees typically sponsor new necklaces, which are replaced approximately every two months as part of an ongoing tradition of religious offerings.

The Phaya Sri Sattanakkharat statue is an important spiritual landmark for residents and visitors to Nakhon Phanom, overlooking the Mekong River on Thailand’s northeastern border.