Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) reports that Phra Thong Sam Si Phra Ming Kaeng Pao (Khpl. Phra Thong Sam Si Phra Ming Kaeng Pao) is located on the south side of Phra Son Temple in Phra Son Village, Thulakhon District, Vientiane Province, Laos, across the street from Phra That Ma La. Phra Son Village is an ancient village with a history spanning centuries, connected to Long Nam Vong, and is a well-known cultural and tourist destination in Thulakhon District.
According to Phak Luang Aphai, Chairman of the Phra Son Branch of the Lao National Construction Front, the history of Phra Thong Sam Si (Three-Colored Buddha) is closely linked to the development of Phra Son Village. Phra Son Village has 310 households with a total population of 1,588. The villagers are mainly of the Lower Lao ethnic group, primarily practicing Buddhism and retaining customs of deity worship. Their daily livelihood mainly consists of agriculture and animal husbandry. The village has preserved its ancient cultural resources, steadfastly upholding and passing on the Long Nam Ong tradition, with the Phra Thong Sam Si (Three-Colored Buddha) long serving as the guardian deity of the village and city.
This uniquely designed Buddha statue is a true treasure of Lao art: standing 56 cm tall, with a face 37 cm wide, shoulders 21 cm wide, and a base 23.5 cm high and 51 cm wide; crafted from gold, bronze, gold-silver alloy, and rare gemstones, it radiates a dazzling light, inspiring joy in all who behold it. The statue's creation reflects the artisans' passion, paying homage to the exceptional craftsmanship of Lao artisans during the kingdom's golden age and embodying the rich local cultural heritage.
Recently, a special ceremony was held at Wat Ban Lin in Tolakhon District, Vientiane Province, officially recognizing the Phra Thong Sam Si as a national cultural relic of the Sombat Min Mang ethnic group. Somsong Souvongkhamchan, Vice Chairman of the Vientiane Provincial Administrative Committee, officials from provincial and district departments, representatives of monks and nuns, village committee members, and local parents and students attended the ceremony.
This recognition not only fills the people of Ban Lin Shan village, Thu La Kong district, and even the entire Vientiane province with pride, but will also inject momentum into attracting tourists and promoting the Nam Ngum River cultural tourism industry. The ceremony also included a procession of the Three-Colored Buddhas around the temple, and a group dance performance by students from Ban Lin Shan Primary School and Ban Vi Kham Secondary School added to the solemn and festive atmosphere.
