Ancient Buddhist stupa emerges from Mekong river in Thailand

A Buddhist stupa believed to be over 700 years old has emerged from the Mekong River between Laos and northeast Thailand.

Buddhists are flocking to Nong Khai province in Isaan to catch a glimpse of the sacred structure, which has emerged as the river’s water level has drastically fallen as Thailand enters the summer season.

Phra That Lah Nong – also known as Phra That Nong Khai or Phra That Khlang Nam (“Pagoda in the middle of the water“) – was built on the banks of the Mekong River over 700 years ago but tumbled into water 175 years ago near Hat Kham subdistrict.

According to an old chronicle, “Phra That Nong Khai fell into the Mekong River on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month of 1847.” The stupa has been mostly submerged for 170 years, sporadically emerging only when water levels drop severely.

Some people trying to catch a glimpse opted…