Trat City Pillar Shrine—Trat Town, Trat Province, Thailand. - Buddhist Temples and Public Shrines on Waymarking.com

Each Thai province has a 'City Pillar Shrine', usually in the capital city. These shrines represent the centre and the spirit of the city and the province. The titular deity of the province. In Thai the term is 'Lak Mu-eang' (difficult for a westerner to pronounce correctly).

The shrine for the small city of Trat, in south eastern Thailand, is surprisingly large and ornate. It is a shrine in the 'Chinese' style, lots of red and dragons, however, there are images of the Buddha and a pillar (two in fact) in the shrine. The Shrine is situated in a wide open space. The Shrine looks new, but I could find no sign of age or date of construction. However, the tourist sign at the Shrine states that the shrine was built at the order of King Taksin (late 18th century).

The claim that King Taksin ordered the construction of the Shrine is entirely feasible. Taksin 'strategically withdrew' to south eastern Thailand in the face of a successful Burmese invasion of Siam. Here he rebuilt his army and enlisted local support. He is credited with constructing several such shrines and other 'patriotic' sites in this region. No doubt the original shrine has been rebuilt, very likely several times since its original construction.

Open to visitors?: Yes Photography Permitted Inside?: Yes Statue of the Buddha present?: Yes 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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