via Khaosod, 21 May 2024: The discoverer of Thailand’s “Golden Boy” sculpture, a historically significant artifact, has expressed deep regret over the damage caused to the statue. The incident has raised concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage in the region. Efforts are now focused on restoring the sculpture and ensuring better protection for such artifacts in the future.
Meanwhile, a reporter from Khaosod interviewed Ms. Nil Petsakul, 69, who discovered the “Golden Boy” about 50 years ago in Ban Pong Sadao, Moo 20, Ta Chong Subdistrict, Lahan Sai District, Buriram Province, where Ban Yang Castle is located. She spoke in the local Khmer language through a translator.
In 1974, she and her husband were digging for wild sweet potatoes in the area when they discovered an unusual object. They first dug up a blackened leg and continued digging until they found what appeared to be a Buddha statue. They called their relatives, who helped them excavate the rest.
They brought the approximately 150 c.m. tall statue home and cleaned it, discovering a radiant light emanating from it, which led them to believe it was valuable. They then prayed for the light to cease.
After that, they consulted a police officer at Lam Plai Mat police station in Lam Plai Mat district, Buriram province, to sell the statue. The police took them to Bangkok where they sold the statue to a foreigner for 1,200,000 baht after originally asking for 1,600,000 baht. They refused to give any information about how the money was divided and why they now have no money.
Source: Discoverer of ‘Golden Boy’ Regrets Damage to Historic Sculpture
