Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon

Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon or Luang Phor Toh Taphan Hin of Wat Thewa Prasat is a large Buddha image of Luang Phor Toh, which is housed outdoors at Wat Thewa Prasat in Huai Ket Sub-district, Taphan Hin District. It was built completely in 1970. It is the largest Buddha image in Phichit Province, which is 24 metres high with a lap width of 20 metres. It was granted the name “Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon” by His Majesty the King.Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon has spectacular characteristics. Phra Kru Thep Sitthikan, along with Chinese people in Taphan Hin Market, initiated the establishment of the Buddha image in 1965 which was later complete in 1970. The name “Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon” that derived from the name of its sub-district “Huai Ket” was granted by His Majesty the King, while the eyes of the Buddha image were granted by a Chinese patriarch. Since Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon is the largest Buddha image in the northern part of Thailand, comparatively the same height with a 10-floor building, many people usually call it with the other name “Luang Phor Toh.” It is currently housed at Wat Thewa Prasat in Huai Ket Sub-district, Taphan Hin District, Phichit Province.Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon is very important to Phichit Province since it is a significant image of Phichit Province and also Taphan Hin District. Many people, especially Chinese people in Taphan Hin Market, worship this Buddha image. Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon is a seated Buddha image in the attitude of giving blessings, sitting cross-legs with one on top of another. The left hand is laid face up on the lap; whereas, the right hand is face up on the knee. The lap is 20 metres wide. The Buddha image itself is 30 metres high, while its platform is 4 metres high and is made of reinforced concrete.As for the economic and social condition in the area, most people live near the place where the Buddha image is housed. They do agriculture and live Buddhist lives. During festivals and religious ceremonies, a number of believers, both in the province and from the other provinces, come to pay respect to Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon. They also worship and hold the annual celebration on Chinese New Year’s Day. The tourists can contact 0 5662 1423 or 08 1040 7171 for more information.