and is based on the Buddha image as used in the meditation method by Luang Pu Sodh. According to a spokesperson of the temple, the material the image is made of is pure bronze, making the image the first of its kind in the world. The construction is a cooperation between Thai and Chinese construction technicians. It was finished with the placing of a relic and gold in the lotus bud on the head of the Buddha, and a structure of gold as a "heart" in the left side of the chest. The image was expected to be finished in mid 2020, but was delayed in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. The statue was completed in 2021 and stands tall over the city, easily visible from the BTS. Temple officials have stated that the statue has doubled the number of visitors to Wat Paknam. Notes Citations References Further reading Dhammakaya Foundation (1998) The Life & Times of Luang Phaw Wat Paknam (Bangkok, Dhammakaya Foundation) Bhikkhu (Terry Magness), Suratano (1960). The Life and Teaching of Chao Khun Mongkol-Thepmuni and The Dhammakāya (triple-gem.net). Phramonkolthepmuni (2006) "Visudhivaca: Translation of Morradok Dhamma of Luang Phaw Wat Paknam" (Bangkok, 60th Dhammachai Education Foundation) Phramonkolthepmuni (2008) "Visudhivaca: Translation of Morradok Dhamma of Luang Phaw Wat Paknam", Vol.II (Bangkok, 60th Dhammachai Education Foundation) External links On-Line Dhammakaya Meditation Center Survey done among laypeople at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen Documentary in Thai language about the Maharatchamongkhon Stupa Paknam Bhasicharoen Phasi Charoen district Dhammakaya tradition Thai Theravada Buddhist temples and monasteries Stupas in Thailand