Prasat Nang Ram is a Hindu archaeological site of significant historical value located in Prathai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. It is classified as an ancient Khmer temple built according to the architectural traditions prevalent during the 11th and 12th centuries AD, corresponding to the period when the Baphuon artistic style was at its peak, particularly during the reign of Suryavarman I or Udayadityavarman II.

This temple is a single-tower sanctuary (Prang) featuring a simple yet structurally complete layout that adheres to the cosmological beliefs of Hinduism. The main prang is situated on a large, square base, facing east, considered an auspicious direction. The tower was primarily constructed using brick, with mortars (likely utilizing a mix of clay, resin, or sugar syrup) serving as the binding agent—a common technique for building small-to-medium-sized religious structures of that era.

The components of the sanctuary include:

• Main Prang (Prang Prathan): This is the principal structure, characterized by a square plan with a small porch (Mukh) extending towards the front (east). This porch was connected to a Mandapa (assembly hall) via a narrow room known as the Antarala (antechamber). However, the Mandapa section is now largely dilapidated. The walls of the prang bear traces of being decorated with intricate stucco work plastered over the bricks. Although these patterns have mostly faded, they serve as crucial evidence of the structure's past grandeur.

• Boundary Wall (Kampaeng Kaew) and Gopura: The main prang is surrounded by a boundary wall forming a rectangular enclosure. The entrance gateway (Gopura) is situated on the east side, aligned with the prang. This entrance structure was also constructed from brick.

• Moat: Traces of a moat exist around the temple area, enclosing the site in an almost U-shape. In ancient Khmer belief, the moat symbolizes the cosmic ocean surrounding Mount Meru (represented by the prang), the center of the universe.

Archaeological excavations at the site have yielded fragmented sandstone lintels and sculptural pieces believed to have been parts of the temple's ornamentation. Notably, a pedestal for an iconic image and other sandstone fragments were discovered, indicating that the temple was originally a Hindu shrine (Devalaya) dedicated to a Hindu deity, possibly Shiva or Vishnu, before potentially being repurposed for Buddhist use later on.

Although Prasat Nang Ram is not as large as other major Khmer sites in the lower Northeast of Thailand, it is a vital piece of evidence confirming the network of Khmer civilization routes that extended into the Prathai district and surrounding areas, which were historically fertile and strategically important regions. Today, the Fine Arts Department oversees its preservation and restoration to allow visitors to study the ancient architecture and religious history of the era.

• Private Car: Take Highway 207 (Prathai-Bua Yai) towards Prathai District. The castle is located behind Ban Nang Ram School.

• Public Transportation: Take a bus passing through Prathai District, then take a motorcycle taxi or songthaew to Ban Nang Ram.

• Visiting is recommended in the early morning or evening to avoid the intense heat during the day.

• Dress appropriately, as the temple grounds are located.

• Bring water and a hat, as the castle grounds are quite open.

• For more information or to view excavated artifacts, visit Wat Prasat Nang Ram.

Admission Fees:

• No admission fee

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.