Tham Sin (Khuha Phimuk Cave)

Tham Sin is located at 2nd village, Tambon Na Tham, Yala province. This Cave is in the same as Tham Pranon (Lying Buddha Cave) far from Pranon about 1.5 kilometers, and also not far from Khuha Phimuk temple. Tham Sin is on route 409 far from Yala city about 10 kilometers. To travel there, visitors can use the same route as Wat Khuha Phimuk, but 2 kilometers further, with a comfortable road. There a stairway to the entrance of the cave (The entrance is 28 meters from the bottom) and visitors have to walk for another 1 kilometer. Then turn left at Ban Tham Sin School until hit the cave entrance. Inside the cave is very dark. There are murals inside telling the story of the Buddha in many meditative positions, and also other paintings as well. The mural is in late Srivichai era, around 12th or 13th century. Visiting this cave requires a lantern or a flashlight. Professor Silp Pirasri, the famous Italian professor of Art, and Master Khian Yimsiri, an archeologist, both claimed that the painting was created by local artisans who had used the painting technique from Indian art directly. The highlight of this cave is on the cave walls, with arts from many generations of men. There is a painting from the stone-age, painting of tribesmen hunting in black paint. There is also the painting of the Buddha in many forms and positions, disciples and Buddhists alike praying to the Buddha, and the painting of 3 women standing next to each other. The paint used in these pictures is made from yellow soil which is used as the main color. Other colors such as brown and red are used as shading color, outlining with black color. The condition of these paintings is not as perfect as it was in there time which is nowadays fading, but still visible. The murals in Tham Sin is regarded as the oldest murals and cave painting in Thailand, and the only one painting here is in Srivichai era. Visitors who interest in coming here can visit every day, free of charge. Just contact the principal of Ban Bunnangluwa School who keeps the key of this cave.