The Buranathai Buddha Image Foundry (Sgt.Maj.Thawee) was established by Sergeant Dr.Thawee Buranakhet in 1968 a renowned artist who pioneered the first Buddha Foundry in Phitsanulok. It is opened to the public and interested parties to observe/study the process of casting a Buddha statue according to the ancient principles of the Traditional 10 Artisans Profession. With its reputation for fine workmanship the foundry flourished and is opened every day of the week from 08.00-17.00 (free admission).

 

The Buranathai Buddha Image Foundry started with the parents of Sergeant Thawee who were regular workers as well as being artisans. After finishing secondary school Sgt.Thawee went exploring and became an apprentice to an Artisan until he was 23 when he joined the army and was assigned as Artist with the rank of Lance Corporal in the 3rd Army Area where he had the opportunity to learn sculpting and metal casting with Professor Silp Pirasri (Corado Feroci), Associate Prof. Khien Yimsiri and Sanan Silakorn. When the 3rd Army Area commissioned a monument of King Naresuan the Great, Sgt.Thawee started to sculpt from then on. Later he married Pim and still took various art jobs and only later did he start to accept commissions to cast Buddha statues when more people learned of his skills. Then he trained his relatives, villagers and hundreds of people in the art of casting and built-up his foundry to its present status. Visitors will see and learn all procedures of casting a Buddha statue in a guided tour.
Apart from the foundry there are also shops selling Buddha statues, Amulets and Souvenirs too.