See One of Thailand’s Quirkiest Attractions At Sala Keoku, Nong Khai

A little bit of juicy history behind the unusual Sala Keoku

Built in the late 1970s using donated concrete and voluntary labourers, the enormous and unusual statues were the idea of a man called Bunleua Sulilat. Born in Nong Khai, he is said to have fallen into a cave where he met a mystical hermit and became an ardent disciple of the solitary sage.

Sulilat first tried to execute his creative plans in nearby Laos, with the construction of a Buddhist Park close to the country’s capital of Vientiane. Fleeing back to Thailand because of fears of communism in Laos, he then built a new Buddhist Park just a short distance across the Mekong River to his original.

His fervor, passion, and enigmatic character led to many locals following him with unashamed adoration, almost like a local cult. There were others, however, who saw Sulilat as being completely mad and insane.

Sulilat fell from one of his massive statues and he suffered from worsening ill-health, eventually dying in 1996 at the age of 64.

A most un-temple-like temple!

A square temple with grand columns stands at the front of the site, often said to resemble an Islamic mosque more than a Buddhist temple. Inside, however, it is pretty much in keeping with what you would expect from a Buddhist temple … large gongs that people bang to bring them good fortunes, regular statues of the Lord Buddha, a selection of Hindu deities, flower garlands, incense, and offerings.

There is an ornate shrine in honour of Sulilat, with photographs of the man at various ages throughout his life and a large number of offerings. His mummified remains are also housed within the temple … and devotees claim that the corpse’s hair is actually still growing!

The views from the temple over the captivating grounds are fantastic!

Strange representations and interpretations of Buddhist beliefs and teachings

There are many statues of the Lord Buddha throughout the site, albeit many are very different to what you are used to seeing. Some are serenely meditating, others have huge grins across their faces, some look positively emaciated, and some are laying down. There are also those that are in such random poses, such as one crushing a head under his giant feet, another wearing a headpiece of small Buddha heads layered with skulls, one with giant arms protruding from a body-less head, and a reclining statue whose bottom half appears to have melted into a pile of lava-like rocks.

Unusual statues dedicated to the Hindu faith

Many of the park’s Hindu statues have also been altered in some way so as to reflect the creator’s own ideological beliefs and thoughts as to religion, spirituality, and how humans should live their lives. Statues large and small will fill you with wonder, curiosity, and, at times, bewilderment.

There are multi-limbed deities, those entwined with fierce looking snakes, others holding an array of painful-looking weapons … and more! This really is a place that has to be visited to be believed!

Mythical beasts and other animals aplenty

Sala Keoku certainly isn’t lacking when it comes to statues that show animist and folkloric beliefs. Curious and bizarre, there are also a few pieces that may make you grimace and recoil!

The park is watched over by a looming seven-headed Naga, a mythical creature similar to a serpent, and you will notice several weird statues that appear to be half animal and half human. Mermaid-esque creatures are quite common.

Giants and tiny folk are scattered throughout the lush gardens and look around the large elephant for a rather surprising sight! A sacred animal in Thailand the large and lumbersome elephant is being pursued by what appear to be ravenous and angry dogs or wolves. They aren’t only running though … you’ll notice that some are riding a scooter and others are rowing a boat! There are also those that are seemingly too lazy to join in the chase, having chosen instead to sit down for a meal or to enjoy a game of cards!

Sculptures that seek to provide moral insights

Crawl through the ominous-looking mouth and you will enter into an even more thought-provoking and somewhat philosophical part of the extensive park. Depicting Sulilat’s interpretation of the wheel of life, wander around and observe the ageing process of a man and woman. At the heart of this area is a large Buddha head with floating outstretched arms, each palm holding an interesting object.

Around the edges there are statues that make political and cultural statements, such as ones of royalty and some of courtroom-like scenes. The sculptures seek to show the dangers of corruption and immorality.