Remains of ancient site emerge as Kwan Phayao lake runs dry
Local archaeologists and historians in Phayao on Tuesday inspected what they believe to be an ancient site in Kwan Phayao lake that has become visible after the water in the lake ran dry.
They estimate that it dates back around 600 years, the same age as Tilok Aram temple that was earlier found submerged in the middle of the lake.
Kwan Phayao is the largest freshwater lake in the northern region, and the fourth biggest in Thailand.
Wimon Pingmuanglek, one of the historians, said the remains of the ancient site’s walls had been found on the eastern edge of the lake.
There were also other items that indicated the site was once a temple, he said.
“I believe that the temple’s architecture was inherited from Chiang Mai province. Many temples were built along a river, but were later submerged as a result of the construction of the lake. It could not be seen when the water level in the lake was high,” he explained.
Now the water level has decreased because of the dry season, it has enabled the site to emerge and be clearly seen, the historian added.
