Champasak: Mr. Alounxay Sounnalath, a member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Champasak Provincial Party Committee, participated in a religious almsgiving ceremony at the Manikhoth Tree Shrine in Khong District, Champasak Province. This event was part of the annual Manikhoth Tree Festival held on January 13, 2026, within the tourist site of Khone Phapheng Waterfalls. Following the ceremony, Mr. Sounnalath and his delegation visited Ban Vernkhao in the Hadsaykhoun village group to examine ancient Buddha images that were recently discovered on January 11, 2026.

According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Sounnalath highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of the newly discovered Buddha images, noting their importance as reflections of the region's cultural heritage and Buddhist civilization. He pointed out that the images' craftsmanship indicates the strong faith of past generations and confirms the area's historical role as a center of spiritual and cultural activity.

The provincial leaders have tasked district authorities with creating plans for preserving and safeguarding the artifacts. This includes documenting the discovery's history for public education and considering policies to recognize the family responsible for uncovering the Buddha images.

Additionally, Mr. Somphathai Ketmala from the Champasak Provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism led a team of specialists to carry out a preliminary inspection and data collection on the same day. Experts reported that 105 Buddha images, made from Pha Keson Dokmai and depicting the Maravijaya posture, were recovered. These images, estimated to be about 400 years old, likely date back to the 17th-18th century.

Specialists suggest that the images were created as votive offerings, fulfilling spiritual vows. The practice of storing them in a clay jar underground was traditional, meant to preserve sacred objects and protect them from damage or theft, particularly during times of conflict.