Crowds flocked to the ancient Khmer temple to witness a rare phenomenon where the setting sun shines through its doorway - an event that occurs twice a year.

The solar phenomenon took place at Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on November 6, occurring between 5 PM and 5.15 PM.

During that period, the sunlight penetrated through the 4 West doors, illuminating the principal Buddha image inside the castle.

This created a picturesque spectacle that drew visitors eager to capture the moment.


The rare spectacle happens just twice a year, typically over a span of 4-5 days, and usually falls within the 1st to 5th day of the waning moon in the twelfth month of the Lunar calendar.

It then recurs in the next 6 months. In light of this, provincial and district authorities have organised a tourism event at Phimai Historical Park from November 8 to 12 to entice tourists to witness this unique occurrence.

Thailand was formerly part of the glorious - and still more advanced - Khmer empire, which stretched across Southeast Asia. The temples date back to the 7th century, though many of those found in modern-day Thailand were mere provincial outposts of the sprawling Angkor kingdom centered around what is now Siem Reap.