PATTAYA — Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has launched a new cultural initiative aimed at deepening young people’s understanding of Buddhism through a striking international display of sacred art. Under the guidance of Chairman Kampol Tantajaa, the garden now features a dedicated learning zone showcasing Buddha statues from across Asia, offering children, youth, and tourists a rare opportunity to explore Buddhist traditions from multiple countries in one place.
The project forms part of Nong Nooch’s broader vision to become a “learning kingdom,” integrating five thematic zones: botanical gardens, a clay animal park, Thai cuisine, arts and culture, and Buddhism. The Buddhist section currently includes five prominent statues: Guanyin Bodhisattva, Maitreya Buddha from Korea’s Pong Eung Sa Temple, Shakyamuni Buddha, Lejun Sejar from Myanmar, and Japan’s iconic Daibutsu. Each figure has been selected to represent a distinct cultural interpretation of Buddhist teachings, with the aim of fostering respect and curiosity among younger visitors.
Construction is already underway on eleven additional statues, three of which—Bhutan’s Dordenma Buddha, Tibet’s Jowo Shakyamuni, and Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Buddha—have been completed and will soon be open to the public. These additions will further enrich the garden’s role as a hub for spiritual education and intercultural exchange.
Nong Nooch Pattaya envisions the space not only as a domestic attraction but as a global centre for Buddhist learning. By presenting revered figures from diverse traditions, the garden hopes to instil foundational values of compassion, mindfulness, and tolerance in its visitors—particularly the next generation.
This initiative arrives at a time when cultural tourism is increasingly seen as a bridge between heritage and education. With its blend of visual storytelling and spiritual symbolism, Nong Nooch’s Buddhist zone offers a fresh model for experiential learning, rooted in reverence and global perspective.
The garden’s evolving collection is expected to draw both local families and international travellers seeking meaningful engagement with Asia’s spiritual legacy.
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