Sunken Buddhist temple emerges from dam after drought causes water level to drop

Sunken Buddhist temple emerges from dam after drought causes water level to drop

A 150-year-old Buddhist temple that was submerged by a dam has become visible for the first time in half-a-century after a drought lowered the water level.

The ancient ruins had been covered with water but residents noticed them starting to poke above the surface in Khon Kaen, southern Thailand, last month.

Within a few weeks the water had receded so much that locals could walk on the stone building.

Footage from Monday morning (June 8) shows residents posing for selfies after reaching the shrine from a new bamboo walkway at the Ubol Ratana dam.

Village council chief Sutan Srithanawong said the Buddhist temple was built at least 150 years ago as part of a small community but it was submerged after the construction of the dam.

He said: "There used to be a village of around 500 households here but people moved out when the dam started its construction.

"However, the temple was not demolished because destroying a temple would be bad luck.

So when the dam was finished it was left there, to be submerged under the water." Sutan said that farmers have suffered because of the drought but the re-emergence of the temple is a sign of hope.

He said: "Everybody is excited about this temple because the last time it was seen was more than 50 years ago.

"The area has been suffering very badly because of droughts.

This year is the worst it has ever been.

But the temple appearing is magical and it's like a new tourist attraction.''