Choeng Thale Subdistrict-north, Lak Mueang—Phuket, Thailand. - Buddhist Temples and Public Shrines on Waymarking.com

A Lak Mueang or 'City Pillar Shrine' is a public shrine, usually in the shape of a pillar, which represents the tutelary diety of each province of Thailand. These are important religious, social, and political sites, which are held in high regard by the local inhabitants. Most Thai provinces have an official Shrine, and some districts within a province have their own, smaller shrine.

Phuket province is unusual in that it does not possess a single, large Lak Mueang in the capital city. Rather there are five small shrines scattered across the island. My enquiries have led me to understand that the reason for this arrangement is the history and geography of the island. Phuket has no central, major city, as do most Thai provinces, rather there are a number of towns and communities across the island, also the political capital has changed several times. Thus over the years different groups have erected their owns shrines, or not. It should be noted that the provincial capital, Phuket City, in the south east region of the island, possesses not even one of the smaller shrines.

This shrine follows the usual design of a Lak Mueang, a pillar housed inside a protective covering, with Buddhist religious accoutrements for visitors to make use of. However, this shrine resembles the smaller district level Lak Mueang of the Isarn region of Thailand.

This shrine is situated on the west side of island, close to the beach, the tourist side of the island, thus it surrounded by resorts and classy hotels. The shrine is set back from the road, with a clear and well maintained path leading from the road.

According to an information sign at the shrine (pic in gallery), this particular shrine has a somewhat different history than the others on the island (and elsewhere in Thailand that I have seen). As the legend goes, in unspecified times past, the people of the district of Thalang (the northern half of Phuket island) were beset with disasters, pirates and invaders. In order to bring good luck a maiden offered herself as a sacrifice, to be buried beneath the shrine. Her spirit has the name 'Gaysinee'.

Open to visitors?: Yes Photography Permitted Inside?: Yes Statue of the Buddha present?: No Related Website: Not listed

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Photos of the shrine are strongly encouraged when permitted otherwise please refrain from taking pictures inside and in any case, generally have respect for the religious nature of the site.

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Date Logged Log User Rating   12/07/2014 Noogman1 visited it