The King Taksin Shrine

📍 Location of The King Taksin Shrine 🚘 Directions to The King Taksin Shrine

About The King Taksin Shrine

Tucked away in the heart of Chantaburi City, a surprise awaits behind the main entrance of a Royal Thai Army base. This surprise is a shrine, not just any shrine, but one that is deeply revered by the Thai people. The shrine is not of the 'Hat' style as one might expect, but rather, it is a shrine dedicated to King Taksin. The shrine is located to the left of the entrance to the base, and it is a sight to behold. Its beauty is quite striking, and it is a place that is well worth a visit when in Chantaburi City.

Just to the left of the entrance to the base, a sign notes the existence of a museum inside the base. This museum is a treasure trove of history, housing maps, story boards, photographs, and displays of both Thai and French soldiers uniforms. It tells the story of a time over 200 years ago when a French Military Detachment was housed inside the base. Visitors are permitted inside the Army base to visit the museum, and the guides are knowledgeable and helpful, providing context to the exhibits.

The King Taksin Shrine is a place of reverence and respect for King Taksin the Great, who reigned in the second half of the 18th century. The shrine and its surrounding features are very colorful, making for sharp photos. The site is also quite peaceful, with tall trees growing on the site. It is a good place to stop by and learn about Thai history, and to pay respect to the Thai King who saved the country.

Visitors to the shrine can purchase King Taksin Buddhist type trinkets to take home. The area is also a good place to take photos. The shrine is easy to find, located in the Provincial City Hall area. It is considered a sacred place and a must-visit for anyone in the area.

King Taksin the Great is highly revered in Thailand as the 18th Century Siamese king who regrouped his army, built ships, and assembled a navy to turn the tables on the invading Burmese and drive them back where they came from, creating the basis for modern-day Thailand. There are many shrines, monuments, parks, and other national edifices paying tribute to Taksin throughout Thailand, but this shrine in Chantaburi is of special significance.

As the invading Burmese sacked and fired the ancient Siamese capital at Ayutthaya in 1767 and occupied most of what was then Siam, King Taksin fell back with the remnants of his army to Chantaburi, about 270 km south east of present day Bangkok. Here he regrouped his army, built a shipyard for the construction of a naval fleet, assembled and trained a navy, and sailed north to take on the Burmese, successfully regaining control of Siam. This shrine in Chantaburi has a heavy Chinese influence, perhaps because Taksin himself was of Chinese heritage.

In conclusion, the King Taksin Shrine in Chantaburi City is a place of historical significance and beauty. It is a place where visitors can learn about Thai history, pay their respects to a revered king, and take home a piece of history. It is a place that is well worth a visit when in Chantaburi City.