The largest Buddha statue found in Tonpheung district is unearthed during excavations on May 16, 2024. Photo courtesy Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone via Vietnam News Agency

Lao authorities on May 16 announced that a Buddha statue with a height of at least two meters has been excavated from a sandy area near the Mekong River in the northern Lao province of Bokeo.

The statue unearthed on May 16 is the largest statue found in the ongoing excavation of ancient artifacts in the province’s Tonpheung district.

According to the Lao national TV, nine other Buddha images were also unearthed on May 16. The age and origin of the statues have not been identified. Most of them were made of bronze and some were engraved with letters.

The excavations in Tonpheung district began in March. After figurines were discovered, the Lao government appointed a national committee consisting of senior officials to ensure the excavations are carried out professionally