Nestled in Ban Nong Khanna, Tambon Tamiang, right along the Thai-Cambodian border, lies a group of three Khmer-style archaeological sites. These sacred places, located close to each other, include: **Prasat Ta Meuan:** This temple is a Buddhist sanctuary of the Mahayana tradition and was constructed as a shelter or resting place for travelers. It is one of the 18 temples commissioned by King Jayavarman VII. The temple is built from laterite and features a singular prang with an elongated hall connecting to the front. The northern wall is solid but intricately designed with false windows, while the southern side is lined with windows. Fragments of lintels depicting a seated Buddha in a glass-house-like frame have been found in the area. **Prasat Ta Meuan Thot:** Located 340 meters away from Prasat Ta Meuan, this site served as an arogayasala, or community hospital, and was built in the 18th Buddhist century as one of the 102 sites initiated by King Jayavarman VII. It remains remarkably intact. The main temple is square-shaped with a protruding pavilion at the front, constructed from laterite and sandstone. A library sits at the front, slightly to the right of the temple, all enclosed by a wall of laterite. A single entrance (gopura) can be found on the eastern side. Outside the front wall is a water pond, typical of other arogayasala sites. Inside the central chamber of the gopura, there is an inscription stone etched in Khmer and Sanskrit. This stone was established by King Jayavarman VII and praises the Buddha Phra Phisachachakaru Waidoo, the Bodhisattva who dispenses health to his followers. It also discusses the appointment of personnel for various departments within the hospital, including doctors and caretakers. Currently, this inscription stone is preserved at the National Library of Thailand in Thawasukree, Bangkok. **Prasat Ta Meuan Thom:** Situated about 800 meters south of Prasat Ta Meuan Thot, this temple was constructed under the Shaivite Hindu tradition, venerating Shiva as the supreme deity. It is believed to have been built around the 17th Buddhist century, making it older than both Prasat Ta Meuan and Prasat Ta Meuan Thot. This site is the largest among the Ta Meuan group and consists of three temples, with the main temple—the largest—centrally located, flanked by two others on the right and left. The temple complex is also constructed from sandstone, facing south. Inside the main temple, significant findings include a natural stone Shiva lingam and a ritual drainage pipe from the lingam. Leading from the main temple is a surrounding aisle towards the eastern side. Additionally, there are two libraries made of laterite located at the southeast and southwest of the main temple, encircled by a sandstone walkway. A pond can be found outside the aisle on the northern side, lined with laterite. The Ta Meuan archaeological site group is open for visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, free of charge. Given its proximity to the Thai-Cambodian border, travelers are advised to check information with the local military unit in charge of the area before visiting and always carry identification. For inquiries, call 0 4450 8240.
Photo Credit: ททท.สำนักงานสุรินทร์
Archaeological sites of Prasat Ta Moan group
Province: Surin
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Contact Information
Phone Number
0 4450 8240
Hour of Operation
- Monday:08:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday:08:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday:08:00 - 17:00
- Thursday:08:00 - 17:00
- Friday:08:00 - 17:00
- Saturday:08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday:08:00 - 17:00