Luang Pho Phra Chao Ong Tue, to use it's full name, is the largest image of the Buddha in Nong Khai Province. It is also considered one of the two main images of the province, along with Luang Pho Phra Sai at Wat Pho Chai in Nong Khai. Luang Pho Ong Tue is housed in Wat (temple) Si Chomphu Ong Tue, which is in Ban Nam Mong a village between Nong Khai Town and Tha Bo. Wat Si Chomphu Ong Tue is 43km from Nong Khai.

Luang Pho Ong Tue, according to the stone inscription at its base, was built in 1562 by the royal command of Phra Chaiya Chettha, King of Nakhon Wiang. It is cast from an alloy of gold, silver and bronze. The complete casting process is said to have taken 7 years and 7 months. The weight of the image is one "Tue" (hence the name), which is an ancient unit of weight from the Isaan region being approximately equivalent to one ton.

The image is in the position of subduing Mara and is 4 metres tall with a lap width of 3.3m

A fair is held annually on the full moon day of the fourth Lunar Month to pay respect to the image.

[View the Luang Pho Ong Tue Photo Gallery]

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