Mystery spring emerges at Thai temple site in dry season

2026-01-28 - 04:01

SISAKET — A mysterious spring has emerged from beneath a raised construction site at a Buddhist temple in Thailand’s northeastern province of Sisaket, puzzling monks and villagers and fuelling beliefs of a sacred or miraculous sign ahead of the building of a new pagoda. The phenomenon was reported at Wat Non Tiew in Non Koon sub-district of Yang Chum Noi district, where water has been continuously seeping up from the ground despite the area being elevated by about 12 metres of dirt. The water appeared after a hole only about 1.6 metres deep was dug to mark foundation posts for the planned Phra That Yang Chum Noi pagoda. The discovery has drawn attention because the water has not dried up even during the dry season, when natural water sources in the area usually run dry. On 28 January 2026, reporters visited the temple to inspect the site, where water was still flowing steadily from the pit. Phra Maha Phutthayan Phuwat, the local sub-district abbot, said the land had originally been low-lying and arid and was once used as a timber storage area for the temple. More than five years ago, soil was brought in to raise the ground level in preparation for building the pagoda, inspired by a vision of the district’s senior monk. He said the appearance of water from such a shallow depth in filled land was highly unusual. “In my lifetime, I have never seen anything like this,” he said, noting that groundwater is typically found only after drilling tens of metres deep in flat terrain. Initially, monks did not attach any spiritual significance to the phenomenon and chose to observe it naturally. However, the water has continued to flow consistently for nearly two years, receding close to dry only around the full moon each month, even during April and May, the peak of the dry season. Some devotees believe the spring is sacred water or a sign of good fortune, as it emerged at a site designated for a religious monument. According to local resident Phrommet Pathumsut, the district abbot had previously spoken of a vision involving a pair of naga, or mythical serpents, at the location. Villagers later performed a ritual ceremony there, and the spring appeared not long afterwards. The site has since attracted visitors from nearby areas and abroad, with some collecting the water for ritual use or prayers, while others have come out of curiosity. Local residents have urged the public to use discretion and respect the temple grounds. Measurements taken at the site showed the pit to be about 1.6 metres deep, while the filled earth beneath it rises roughly 12 metres above the original ground level, adding to questions about the water’s source. At times, the water has overflowed the pit. Visitors continue to bring flowers, incense and candles to the temple. Some have also sought lucky numbers from the site, with the number 634 drawing particular attention among worshippers.