Chao Mae Puek Pai Shrine

Open Days: Every Day

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 18:00

 

Chao Mae Puek Pai Shrine is one of the sacred places in Ratchaburi Province that has long been respected by local residents and Thai-Chinese communities in Ban Pong District. Located at 1 Moo 1, Puek Pai Subdistrict, Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province, the shrine stands near the Mae Klong River, an area that was historically an important trading route connecting central Thailand with the Gulf of Thailand and international maritime trade.

 

The shrine is not only a place of worship but also a reflection of the cultural connection between Chinese merchants and Siam during the late Ayutthaya and early Thonburi periods. For centuries, Chinese traders traveled by sea to conduct commerce in the region, bringing with them religious traditions and beliefs that eventually became part of the local cultural landscape.

 

The origin of Chao Mae Puek Pai Shrine dates back to approximately the Thonburi period, around the year 1774. At that time, the city of Ratchaburi, particularly the area known as Mueang Khu Bua, served as an important port city. Ships from many regions arrived to trade goods such as rice, agricultural products, and imported items from overseas markets.

 

Among those traders were Chinese merchants who sailed along maritime trade routes and entered the Mae Klong River to reach inland communities. These merchants held deep faith in Tianhou Shengmu, the Chinese sea goddess who is widely known in Thailand as Chao Mae Tubtim. According to traditional Chinese belief, the goddess protects sailors and travelers and ensures safe journeys across the sea.

 

When Chinese traders departed from China, they often carried sacred incense ash associated with Tianhou Shengmu. The incense ash symbolized the spiritual presence of the goddess and served as a source of protection and comfort during long and sometimes dangerous voyages across the ocean.

 

When the merchants reached the port city of Ratchaburi, they continued their journey upstream along the Mae Klong River toward Ban Pong. During that period, the area of Puek Pai was already a thriving trading community where goods were exchanged among nearby settlements such as Ban Khung Phayom and surrounding villages.

 

Historical records found in the book “Mae Klong River Basin” published by Silpakorn University, as well as archival documents preserved at Wat Muang in Ratchaburi, mention that this region once functioned as an active commercial hub connecting river transport with regional markets.

 

When Chinese merchants arrived in Puek Pai, they discovered that the landscape was suitable for building a shrine according to traditional Chinese geomantic principles. The location near the bend of the Mae Klong River was considered auspicious according to feng shui beliefs.

 

The merchants therefore constructed a small shrine beside the river and placed the sacred incense ash of Tianhou Shengmu inside. This symbolic act represented the presence of the goddess and established the shrine as a place where travelers and traders could pray for safety and prosperity.

 

After the shrine was established, the merchants continued their journeys between China and Siam for trade. However, the incense vessel associated with the goddess was never taken back to China, leaving the shrine permanently established in the Puek Pai community.

 

Over time, local residents, especially Thai people of Chinese descent living in Ban Pong District, continued the tradition of worshipping the goddess. Gradually the deity became known locally as “Chao Mae Puek Pai”, named after the subdistrict where the shrine stands.

 

Since then, the shrine has become an important spiritual center for the surrounding community. Residents and visitors often come to pay respect and ask for blessings related to business success, career progress, safe travel, good fortune, and family prosperity.

 

The reputation of the shrine's sacred power spread widely among residents of Ban Pong and nearby provinces. Many people believe that sincere prayers offered to Chao Mae Puek Pai can bring success and protection in various aspects of life.

 

In recognition of its cultural importance, the shrine received the “Outstanding Chinese Shrine Award” in the Central Region of Thailand. The award was presented on Thursday, July 18, 1996, highlighting the shrine's role as a cultural and spiritual landmark of the community.

 

Today the shrine is managed by a local committee. The administration is overseen by Mr. Sommanat Srikham and Mrs. Wanida Srikham, who continue to maintain the shrine as a place of faith and cultural heritage for residents of Ban Pong and visitors to Ratchaburi Province.

 

 

A: The shrine is located at 1 Moo 1, Puek Pai Subdistrict, Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand.

 

A: The shrine dates back to the Thonburi period, around 1774, when Chinese merchants established it during trading journeys along the Mae Klong River.

 

A: Chao Mae Puek Pai refers to Tianhou Shengmu, also known as Mazu or Chao Mae Tubtim, the Chinese sea goddess believed to protect sailors and travelers.

 

A: Visitors often pray for business success, safe travel, career opportunities, prosperity, and good fortune.

 

A: The shrine is generally open daily from morning until evening.