Phetbura Buddhist Park

Phetbura Buddhist Park in Sadiang sub-district, Phetchabun, centres on the Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha Chaloem Phrakiat — a brass Buddha statue over 45 tons, 16.59 metres tall on its own and 35 metres including its base platform, cast as a copy of the Buddha image at Wat Trai Phum. Entry is free, daily 06:00-18:00.

The statue was built for King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 84th birthday — the seventh 12-year cycle — dedicated on 5 December 2011 as a province-wide show of support for Buddhism in Phetchabun. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the ceremony that enshrined relics inside the statue’s crown and performed the eye-opening rite that, by Thai tradition, brings a Buddha image to life. At 11.98 metres wide, it’s cast as a replica of the original at Wat Trai Phum, though the park itself makes no fuss of the scale — no ticket booth, no gift shop pushing the fact.

The park is a flat, open green space built for walking and cycling laps rather than a single-monument stop — locals use it for evening exercise as much as visitors use it for photos. Late afternoon puts the sun behind the statue for photos looking east, and a Green Market on site sells OTOP handicrafts and produce alongside a handful of cafes for a break in the shade.

“Chaloem Phrakiat” in the statue’s full name translates roughly to “in honour of the King” — a naming pattern used across Thailand for monuments dedicated to a royal anniversary. Phetchabun’s contribution to that 2011-12 wave of commemorative projects was this brass casting rather than a stupa or a portrait hall, which is part of why it reads as civic infrastructure — a park people actually use — rather than a roped-off monument.

Insider Tip: Weekday mornings are near-empty even by Phetchabun standards — the Green Market and cafes pick up on weekend afternoons when locals turn out for the cooler hours.

Watch out: There’s no shade directly around the statue itself — bring water and a hat if visiting at midday rather than the cooler morning or evening hours.

The park sits on Highway 21 (Saraburi-Lom Sak) around the Km. 225 marker, a short drive from Phetchabun town. There’s no public transport directly to the gate, so a car, motorbike, or taxi is the practical option. Two other Mueang district landmarks pair well with a visit: the City Pillar Shrine of Phetchaboon and Wat Chang Puek, both a short drive into town.