Isaan, the rural province in northern Thailand, has long been on the map for its delightful cuisine, that and it’s internationally famous Rocket Festival. But this week they took a step toward greater glory, one that could only be accomplished with — a giant lizard sculpture.
The unveiling of the new landmark — which is, to be precise, a sculpture of a giant butterfly lizard — comes amid high hopes that the noble, spotted reptile will help boost tourism and become an Instagram-worthy spot.
So why a butterfly lizard? The sculpture is near the province’s Song Yae village, the name of which literally translates to “pond of butterfly lizards.”
Chaiporn Saiwaew, the village headman, said the lizard is 18-meters long, stands 4-meters high, and was built with a budget of THB100,000 (US$3,000). (Editor: We think it looks worth at least THB150,000.)
He hopes that the landmark will draw travelers to his community and encourage them to purchase local products and produces, boosting the income of the people in his village.
Can’t locate Yasothon on the map? It’s actually worth visiting. Watch just how hard the locals party at their glorious Rocket Festival in this documentary by Coconuts TV:
Related:
Whiskey, weird and sunstroke at the Yasothon Rocket Festival
