Prasat Hin Ban Samo is an ancient Khmer archaeological site of the Bayon style, holding significant historical and archaeological importance. It dates back to approximately the 18th Buddhist century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire, a period known for extensive public works and religious constructions aimed at benefiting the people.The temple is classified as one of the Arokhayasalas, or ancient hospital complexes, among 102 sites distributed across the Khmer Empire. Its core concept integrates religion, medicine, and social welfare. People in that era believed that illness resulted from both physical imbalance and karmic factors; therefore, healing involved not only herbal medicine but also religious rituals and chanting to strengthen spiritual well-being.

In terms of architecture, Prasat Ban Samo follows the standard layout of an Arokhayasala complex, with the main sanctuary serving as the sacred center. The structure features a square plan with indented corners, facing east, which is considered an auspicious direction in Mahayana Buddhist tradition. A library building is located to the southeast, used for storing scriptures, medical texts, and ritual documents.The entire complex is enclosed by a laterite wall, symbolically separating the sacred space from the mundane world, reflecting the concept of dividing the human realm from the spiritual realm. Outside the sanctuary, an ancient water reservoir or baray can be found, which served both ritual purposes and water storage, including ceremonial purification and possibly medicinal preparation in traditional healing practices.

A key highlight of the site is the lintel depicting a meditating Buddha seated above Kala, reflecting the influence of Mahayana Buddhism during the Bayon period. In particular, the southern lintel shows unfinished carvings, indicating a transitional phase between earlier Hindu beliefs and the growing influence of Buddhism.Overall, the artistic style of the temple belongs to the Bayon tradition, which emphasizes compassion and gentleness. It reflects the concept of the king as a bodhisattva, specifically Avalokiteshvara, embodying mercy and compassion. As a result, the art of this period focuses less on grandeur and more on spiritual serenity.From an archaeological perspective, Prasat Ban Samo serves as important evidence of the Arokhayasala network in lower northeastern Thailand, connecting the Khmer cultural routes from Angkor to present-day Thailand. It also reflects an ancient form of state welfare that integrated religion with public healthcare systems.

• By car: From Sisaket city center, take Highway 220 (Sisaket–Khukhan), then turn onto Highway 2167 heading toward Prang Ku District. The temple site is located within Ban Tham Chan Temple, where the prasat is situated.