Phaya Chalawan Statue

The Phaya Chalawan Statue is a large crocodile monument located in Chalawan Park on the edge of Bueng Si Fai lake in Nai Mueang, Mueang Phichit, Phichit Province. It depicts Phaya Chalawan, the mythical crocodile king from the Thai folktale Krai Thong, which is strongly associated with Phichit. The statue is a well-known provincial landmark and photo spot, set in a public park with lake views.

Visitors can expect an outdoor open-air crocodile statue set in Chalawan Park beside Bueng Si Fai, a large freshwater lake. The area is a landscaped public park with paved walkways, open lawns, and lake views. Visitors can view and photograph the statue up close, walk around the park and lakeside, and see related crocodile-themed displays nearby. The setting is casual and family-friendly with vendors and seating areas.

The statue commemorates Phaya Chalawan, the crocodile king from the classic Thai folktale Krai Thong, which is set in Phichit. The legend tells of Chalawan, a shape-shifting crocodile who lived in the waters around Phichit, and his defeat by Krai Thong. The story is a long-standing part of local oral tradition and provincial identity.

Phaya Chalawan is the symbolic animal and cultural emblem of Phichit Province. The statue serves as a landmark expressing local folklore, community identity and pride, and is often used as a meeting point and representation of Phichit in tourism promotion. Crocodile motifs are found throughout the town.