{
  "id": 16845165,
  "title": "Fire damages sacred naga statue’s ceremonial necklace in Nakhon Phanom",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/fire-damages-sacred-naga-statues-ceremonial-necklace-in-nakhon-phanom",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T04:01:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2026/10/28/fire-damages-sacred-naga-statues-ceremonial-necklace-in-nakhon-phanom/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On the morning of 28 October, a fire ravaged the ornate necklace adorning the revered Phaya Sri Sattanakkharat statue, a revered naga statue situated along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom. Preliminary investigations are underway, with suspicion falling on fireworks as a potential ignition source set off in the vicinity. The blaze erupted at around 04:00 near the statue, which stands proudly on the riverfront in Nakhon Phanom municipality. The extravagant necklace, crafted from silk, cotton, and beads, sustained complete damage from the flames. While the bronze statue itself remained unscathed, its exterior may have been marred by smoke and soot residue. Mayor Niwat Chiawiriyabunya of Nakhon Phanom municipality assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain whether fireworks triggered the incident, expressing confidence that the event was accidental rather than malicious. The municipality is now engaged in the painstaking process of cleaning and polishing the bronze statue to eliminate soot and revive its original allure. Plans are also underway to replace the destroyed ceremonial necklace and implement preventive measures to mitigate the likelihood of a recurrence. Estimated to be worth between 20,000 and 50,000 baht, the ceremonial necklace is typically replaced annually by the statue's devotees as part of a longstanding tradition of religious offerings. The Phaya Sri Sattanakkharat statue holds immense spiritual significance for both locals and tourists visiting Nakhon Phanom, offering a breathtaking vista of the Mekong River along Thailand's northeastern frontier.",
  "summary": "NAKHON PHANOM — 28 October 2026, A fire damaged the decorative necklace worn by the revered Phaya Sri Sattanakkharat statue, a prominent naga statue landmark along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom, early on 28 October. Authorities are investigating the cause, with fireworks suspected as a possible trigger. The fire broke out at around 04:00 […] The post Fire damages sacred naga statue’s…",
  "key_points": [
    "Fire destroys ceremonial necklace of revered Nakhon Phanom naga statue on October 28",
    "Preliminary investigation suspects fireworks as ignition source",
    "Statue's bronze exterior unharmed, mayor assures investigation into cause"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}