Hok Sae Tueng, located at 427 Sri Uthai Road, Si Uthai Mai Subdistrict, Uthai Thani Province, is a century-old Chinese-style teakwood house that carries deep historical and cultural significance. The origins of this house date back more than 100 years when Chinese immigrants began settling in the Sakae Krang community during the late Ayutthaya period. Most of these immigrants arrived by trading boats and established themselves as merchants, transforming the area into a prosperous trading hub filled with cultural exchanges between Thai and Chinese communities.

 

In the past, the Sakae Krang neighborhood was a vibrant commercial district, bustling with trade in both local products and imported goods from China. Hok Sae Tueng was originally built as a place for social gatherings and community interactions. It also served as a Chinese herbal medicine shop that became well-known among the locals. Beyond its commercial role, the house played a central part in hosting important cultural and religious events, particularly the annual Vegetarian Festival. This festival brought together residents in a spirit of devotion, merit-making, and community solidarity, making Hok Sae Tueng a cultural anchor of the town.

 

Although the herbal medicine shop no longer operates, Hok Sae Tueng continues to preserve its cultural essence. Today, the upper floor of the building stores valuable artifacts such as traditional Chinese musical instruments, original medicine shelves, and ceremonial objects used during the Vegetarian Festival. These preserved items stand as living evidence of the Chinese heritage in Uthai Thani, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the past.

 

The significance of Hok Sae Tueng lies not only in its age but also in its role as a symbol of Chinese-Thai integration and community spirit. It reflects the ways in which Chinese immigrants built their livelihoods, established harmonious relations with local Thais, and contributed to the cultural fabric of the region. The house embodies the continuity of faith, tradition, and identity passed down through generations.

 

Currently, Hok Sae Tueng is owned and maintained by Khun Sengiam Palawatwichai, who ensures the preservation of this historic site. His stewardship has allowed Hok Sae Tueng to remain both a community landmark and a cultural learning center for those interested in the history of overseas Chinese in Thailand. For visitors to Uthai Thani, Hok Sae Tueng offers a rare opportunity to step back in time, admire the beauty of traditional Chinese wooden architecture, and immerse in the enduring legacy of faith and culture that continues to resonate in the community.

 

Hok Sae Tueng is not only a historic Chinese-style house but also a heritage site that tells the story of trade, daily life, and cultural exchange of Chinese immigrants in Thailand. It stands as a living testament to the importance of cultural preservation and remains a cherished symbol of history, tradition, and community spirit in Uthai Thani.