Phra That Prasit

Phra That Prasit is a revered Buddhist stupa located within Wat Phra That Prasit in Ban Prasit, Na Wa District, Nakhon Phanom Province, northeastern Thailand. It is one of the seven sacred Phra That chedis of Nakhon Phanom and enshrines relics of the Buddha. The white, lotus-bud shaped stupa reflects Lao-influenced architecture and was reconstructed in 1963 after the original ancient structure collapsed. It is particularly sacred for those born on Thursday.

Visitors can expect a tranquil temple compound centered on a tall white chedi with a lotus-bud spire and gilded pinnacle, set in an open courtyard. The grounds include the main viharn, smaller shrines, Buddha images, naga sculptures, and shaded seating areas. The atmosphere is quiet and devotional, with locals making merit, offering lotus flowers and incense, and circumambulating the stupa. Information boards explain the history and there are open areas for photography and respectful observation of religious practices.

Phra That Prasit is an ancient stupa believed to have been originally constructed around the 7th-9th century. The original laterite structure collapsed and was reconstructed in 1963 in its current form, retaining the traditional lotus-bud shape. It has long served as a center of Buddhism in the Na Wa area and is counted among the important historic chedis of the Mekong region.

The stupa is highly revered in Isan Buddhist tradition and is theประจำ Phra That for people born on Thursday. It enshrines relics of the Buddha and is a pilgrimage site for merit-making. An annual worship festival is held from the first to the third waxing moon days of the sixth lunar month, featuring religious ceremonies, processions, and local cultural activities.