Pha Moh I-Daeng

The cliff has two groups of interesting bas-reliefs. The first group is a bas-relief of three figures and one line engraving. Prof. Jean Boisselier, a French expert, interpreted that one of the human figures represents Kubera, the Lord of Yakshas. The second group is located approximately 4 meters to the north of the first group and comprises engravings which depict a seated human figure under Naga flanked by 2 animals. The human figure under the Naga is probably Varuna, the Rain God, who is the guardian of the West in Hinduism. The carvings were discovered in 1987 by Border Protection Ranger Unit and are the oldest of Thailand. It seems to date from the 10th century when Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer empire, and Khmer craftsmen probably practiced here first before the real carving at Preah Vihear Sanctuary.

Ayutthaya Historical Research