History:

The Aam Bang Niew, Tao Bo Keng Shrine, also known as Theprasri Foundation (The Chinese Zodiac Deities Foundation), has been a revered shrine since 1904. Local residents refer to it as Tao Bo Keng Shrine or Chay Tee. It is known that a Chinese opera troupe, Kang Chay Hi, arrived from China to perform at Trok Mao Khao (currently Soi Rommanee). At that time, there was a shrine, so they brought ‘Tain Hu Hong Soei’ (Lao Aie) to do merit. They started the tradition of holding vegetarian festivals regularly until the villagers became devoted and joined the activities in large numbers.

Bang Niew Shrine is an ancient shrine that has been in existence since 1904 and is known by various names, including ‘Tao Bo Keng Shrine’ or ‘Aam Boo Tueang’ (the term ‘Aam’ is a term used by the Phuket people instead of the word shrine), or ‘Theprasri Foundation’ (The Chinese Zodiac Deities Foundation), or as the villagers refer to it as Tao Bo Keng Shrine). The History of Bang Niew Shrine is still fascinating and is a significant place for the people of Phuket.

Bang Niew Shrine is regarded as a beautiful shrine, starting from the entrance gate, which is a dragon-shaped arch in Chinese art style. Upon arrival at the front entrance, the two lion statues will captivate all attention, while the interior of the shrine is exquisitely embellished with watercolor paintings depicting Chinese lucky animals and Chinese literary tales. When combined with the dragon statues wrapped around the pillars, this shrine looks even more impressive.

The legend of the shrine:

There was once a Chinese opera troupe called ‘Kang Chay Yi’ who traveled from China to perform at Trok Mao Khao, which later became Soi Rommanee. At that time, there was a shrine, so they brought ‘Tain Hu Hong Soei’ (Lao Aie) to do merit. They then began holding vegetarian festivals regularly until the villagers in the area became devoted and joined the vegetarian festival in large numbers.

However, an unexpected incident occurred later, when a fire broke out at the shrine without knowing the real cause. As a result, a group of villagers decided to take ‘Tain Hu Nguoi Soei’ (Lao Aie) to be enshrined at Aam Bang Niew (which is the current Bang Niew Shrine) and helped build it into a wooden shrine with a thatched roof.

After 4-5 years, another fire started. The villagers then took ‘Tain Hu Nguoi Soei’ (Lao Aie) to be enshrined in an area opposite the scene of the fire, where the people of Bang Niew still had strong faith, so they gathered to make merit and hold a vegetarian festival every year. As more and more people visited the shrine, the interior space became increasingly cramped. Finally, the committee led by Khun Lertt Phatharak joined forces to renovate and expand the shrine into a large concrete building sufficient to accommodate the visitors who came to pay their respects.

Location:

Ban Bang Niew, Phuket Road, Talat Yai Sub-district, Mueang District, Phuket Province