Prang Ku

Prang Ku is an ancient Khmer sanctuary located in Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang Chaiyaphum District, Chaiyaphum town. Built in the 13th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII in Bayon style, it is the oldest and most significant archaeological site in Chaiyaphum Province. Constructed of laterite with a single prang, it originally served as an Arogyasala (hospital chapel) and remains an important historical landmark in the city centre.

Visitors can expect a compact, open-air archaeological site in the centre of Chaiyaphum town featuring a single laterite prang on a low base, surrounded by a grassy courtyard and mature trees. The prang has a square plan, a porch entrance and carved lintel details. Information boards explain its history. The site is small, quiet and suitable for short sightseeing, photography and learning about Khmer architecture without extensive walking.

Prang Ku was constructed in the 13th century during the reign of Khmer King Jayavarman VII (c. 1181-1218) in the Bayon architectural style. It functioned as an Arogyasala, a hospital chapel built to provide medical and spiritual care along the Khmer empire's network. Built primarily of laterite, it features a single square prang with a projecting porch facing east. It is regarded as the oldest historical site in Chaiyaphum and evidence of Khmer influence in northeastern Thailand.

The site represents the spread of Mahayana Buddhism under Jayavarman VII and the Khmer cultural influence in the Isan region. Today it is a respected local heritage landmark and symbol of Chaiyaphum's ancient history, visited for cultural education and appreciation of Khmer architecture. It is maintained as an archaeological site by the Fine Arts Department.