Bangkok: The "Tai Hong Kong White Jade Shrine" has emerged as a significant new landmark in Bangkok, showcasing the beauty of ancient Chinese architecture and a legacy of compassion. This shrine, located on Charoen Rat Road in the Sathorn District, is gaining attention from both locals and tourists as an important Chinese cultural site. Built by the Po Teck Tung Foundation to celebrate its 110th anniversary and commemorate His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday, it officially opened to the public in May 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the shrine features the largest white jade statue of Luang Pu Tai Hong in Thailand. This statue, carved from a large piece of white jade, symbolizes compassion, altruism, and societal contribution-principles central to the Po Teck Tung Foundation. The temple's architecture is distinguished by its authentic reproduction of Teochew-style ancient Chinese art, incorporating traditional court Chinese architectural elements, including Chinese-style roofs, wood carvings, stucco work, and white jade decorations.
In addition to the statue of Luang Pu Tai Hong, the shrine houses statues of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Guan Yin) and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Dizang Wang), revered by many Thai people of Chinese descent and Buddhists. This makes the temple not only a spiritual center but also a cultural learning hub and a destination for faith-based tourism.
The Tai Hong Kong White Jade Shrine stands as a testament to the enduring connections between Thai and Chinese cultures. It serves as a beacon for cultural preservation and the dissemination of compassion's value to future generations, making it an invaluable addition to Bangkok's spiritual and cultural landscape.