City Pillar Shrine of Chanthaburi: The Pride of Chanthaburi

City Pillar Shrine of Chanthaburi: The Sacred Symbol of the City * Location: Srichan Road, Wat Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Chanthaburi District * Significance: * A sacred place of Chanthaburi * The spiritual center for locals and tourists * Built in the early Rattanakosin period (linked to King Taksin) * Originally located near Wat Phlap, then relocated and rebuilt in 1982 * Important event: Used as a military base during the independence restoration in 1767 * Style: Thai contemporary architecture * Multi-tiered roof adorned with chofah and bai raka * City pillar made of auspicious wood wrapped in red cloth * Highlights: * Central pavilion + City Pillar Shrine * Garden and elephant sculptures, the symbol of the province * Beliefs: * The city pillar is the abode of guardian spirits protecting the city * If the pillar tilts or is damaged, it is considered a bad omen * Important ceremonies: * Annual worship ceremony (April) * Red cloth and garland offerings to ward off bad luck * The city pillar of Chanthaburi is smaller than the one in Bangkok * Once served as a resting point for Japanese soldiers during World War II * The City Pillar Shrine is the cultural and spiritual heart of Chanthaburi, thus preserving it is maintaining the identity and pride of the Chanthaburi community.