Krom Luang Shumporn Ket Udomsuk Monument

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

The Prince of Chumphon Monument in Loei Province is an important place of respect and remembrance in Wang Saphung District, Loei. It honors Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon, widely revered in Thailand as Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak and known affectionately as “Sadet Tia.” He was a son of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, and is honored as the Father of the Royal Thai Navy. The monument is located near the Wang Saphung-Phu Ruea route, about 2 km from the main paved road, making it a meaningful stop for travelers moving between Wang Saphung, Phu Ruea, and other destinations in Loei Province.

 

The monument is important because it represents both national history and local devotion. Although Loei is an inland province far from the sea, the presence of this monument shows that respect for the Prince of Chumphon extends far beyond naval bases and coastal communities. His reputation as a founder of modern Thai naval development, his dedication to national service, and the deep affection that people have for him have made his monuments and shrines meaningful in many parts of Thailand. The Loei monument is one of those places where national memory is expressed through a quiet local sacred site.

 

The foundation stone of the monument was laid by Khunying Praneed Sirithorn on 29 April 1999. This event marked the beginning of a local memorial space dedicated to the Prince of Chumphon. Visitors come here to pay respect, ask for blessings, remember his contribution to the nation, and rest briefly during a journey through Wang Saphung. The site is not a large museum or entertainment attraction. Its value lies in reverence, simplicity, and the meaning of the person being honored.

 

Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon, was born as a royal son of King Rama V. He played an essential role in laying the foundations for the Royal Thai Navy. He is remembered for his contribution to naval education, training, modernization, and professional discipline. For this reason, Thai naval personnel and many members of the public regard him as the Father of the Royal Thai Navy. His legacy is associated with courage, duty, discipline, technical knowledge, and service to the country.

 

The atmosphere of the Loei monument is calm and respectful. The main statue stands as the focus of the site, while the surrounding area provides space for visitors to pay homage and take photos. The beauty of the place does not come from elaborate decoration, but from its symbolic meaning and quiet dignity. Visitors should approach the monument respectfully, speak softly, keep the area clean, and avoid any behavior that could be considered inappropriate at a place of remembrance.

 

Many Thai visitors bring flowers, garlands, incense, candles, or other respectful offerings. However, visitors should place offerings only in appropriate areas and follow any local signs or staff guidance. The monument is a shared public and spiritual space, so it should be used with order and consideration. Those who do not perform religious offerings can still pay respect quietly, learn about the historical figure, and appreciate the monument as part of Loei’s cultural landscape.

 

In the context of Wang Saphung District, the monument is useful as a short but meaningful travel stop. Wang Saphung is an important district of Loei Province, connected with routes toward Loei city, Phu Ruea, and other northern Isan destinations. Travelers passing through the Wang Saphung-Phu Ruea road can stop at the monument for a peaceful moment before continuing their journey. It is especially suitable for visitors who appreciate Thai history, royal monuments, military heritage, or places of local faith.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car. From Wang Saphung town, take the paved Wang Saphung-Phu Ruea road and continue to the local access route leading to the monument, which is about 2 km from the main road. From Loei city, travel to Wang Saphung first, then continue toward the Phu Ruea route. Visitors should search for the Thai name “อนุสาวรีย์กรมหลวงชุมพรเขตอุดมศักดิ์ วังสะพุง เลย” on a map application or ask local authorities for directions before traveling.

 

Visitors without a private vehicle should first reach Wang Saphung town and then use local hired transport. Since this is not a major city-center attraction, direct public transport may not be frequent. Foreign travelers should keep the Thai place name ready to show drivers, because monuments dedicated to the Prince of Chumphon exist in many provinces across Thailand. Using the district name Wang Saphung and Loei Province together helps avoid confusion.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is more comfortable and the light is suitable for photos. The cool season is especially pleasant for travel in Loei Province. During the rainy season, travelers should drive carefully and check local road conditions if the access route is wet. A typical visit can take 20–40 minutes for paying respect, taking photos, and resting briefly, though visitors who want a quieter moment may stay longer.

 

The main areas of the site include the monument plaza, the statue, the offering area, the photo area, the access area, and the resting space along the Wang Saphung-Phu Ruea route. Visitors should avoid blocking the access route, avoid photographing in a way that disturbs others, and avoid climbing onto the monument base. The site is best experienced with a calm and respectful attitude.

 

The monument can be combined with nearby attractions in Wang Saphung District. Pak Puan Arboretum offers a natural stop near the area. Wat Pa Dong Bo Lek is another nearby local religious site. Visitors with more time can continue to Phra Phutthabat Tham Pha Bing, Luang Pu Lui Chanthasaro Chedi Museum, Wat Pa Sammanuson, or Sirindhorn Art Center. These places add nature, Buddhist heritage, art, and local history to the trip.

 

Food options around Wang Saphung and Pak Puan include local grilled chicken, som tam restaurants, Thai food restaurants, cafés, and casual dining places. Restaurants such as Kai Yang Wang Saphung, Tam Khrok Yai Ban Kok Kluea, Suan Nam Khrua Thong, Nam Phueng Phochana, Na Wang Restaurant, Zaploei, and Ahtee Shabu Buffet can be considered before or after visiting the monument. Travelers should plan meals around Wang Saphung town or Pak Puan because food choices are more convenient there than directly at the monument.

 

Accommodation is available in Wang Saphung and Loei city. Nearby choices include The Cozy Hotel, Plus Hotel Loei, Tonsak Loei Resort, Rim Loei Homestay, Suan Lamyai Resort, and larger city hotels in Loei such as Loei Palace Hotel. Staying in Wang Saphung is suitable for travelers focusing on local attractions in the district, while staying in Loei city offers more restaurant and hotel choices.

 

For international visitors, the monument is best understood as a place honoring one of Thailand’s most respected naval figures. It is not primarily a tourist entertainment site, but a place of national memory and public devotion. Visitors should dress politely, avoid playful poses on or near the monument, and keep the setting respectful. Learning a little about the Prince of Chumphon before visiting will make the experience more meaningful.

 

In conclusion, the Prince of Chumphon Monument in Loei Province is a quiet but meaningful place to visit in Wang Saphung District. It honors Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon, the Father of the Royal Thai Navy, and was founded through a ceremonial foundation-stone laying on 29 April 1999. Located about 2 km from the Wang Saphung-Phu Ruea road, the monument is suitable for travelers who want to pay respect, learn about Thai historical memory, and include a meaningful cultural stop in their Loei travel route.

 

 

A: It is located in Wang Saphung District, Loei Province, near the Wang Saphung-Phu Ruea road, about 2 km from the main paved road.

 

A: The monument is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: No. There is no admission fee for visiting or paying respect at the monument.

 

A: It honors Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon, a son of King Rama V and the Father of the Royal Thai Navy.

 

A: The foundation stone was laid by Khunying Praneed Sirithorn on 29 April 1999.

 

A: Visitors should dress politely, speak quietly, avoid climbing on the monument base, place offerings only in appropriate areas, and keep the site clean.

 

A: Travel from Loei city to Wang Saphung District, then continue along the Wang Saphung-Phu Ruea road and follow the local access route to the monument about 2 km from the main road.

 

A: Nearby places include Pak Puan Arboretum, Wat Pa Dong Bo Lek, Phra Phutthabat Tham Pha Bing, Luang Pu Lui Chanthasaro Chedi Museum, and Sirindhorn Art Center.