The shrine of Luang Pho Daeng restoration at the Ratchakarun Center of the Thai Red Cross Society.

The shrine of Luang Pho Daeng restoration at the Ratchakarun Center of the Thai Red Cross Society, located in Khao Lan, Trat Province, Central Bureau The Thai Red Cross Society

Luang Pho Daeng has served as a spiritual anchor for the people of Trat province and the surrounding areas. Over time, the shrine has begun to deteriorate due to age and water damage. This presents an opportunity for us to come together and restore this sacred place to its former glory.

In 1979, the Cambodian conflict forced hundreds of thousands of Cambodians, mostly women, children, and the elderly, to flee their homes and seek refuge in Thailand, particularly in Khao Lan, Trat province. Many arrived in dire conditions, hungry and exhausted. Upon learning of their plight, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the President of Thai Red Cross Society, ordered the establishment of a relief center in Khao Lan to provide shelter and aid to these refugees.

Furthermore, Her Majesty expressed her desire to have a Buddha image installed at the center as a source of comfort for the refugees. Venerable Wisutthiyan Thera fulfilled Her Majesty's wish by creating a Buddha image, which the people named "Luang Pho Daeng".

Later, to commemorate the 40th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Venerable Wisutthiyan and other devotees jointly constructed a new shrine for Luang Pho Daeng and presented it to Her Royal Highness on the occasion of her visit to pay homage to Luang Pho Daeng on October 11, 1995.

People from Trat and neighboring provinces have continued to visit Luang Pho Daeng to seek blessings and good fortune. When their prayers are answered, they often express their gratitude by organizing film screenings at the shrine.

As the shrine has aged, it has begun to deteriorate. Central Bureau of Thai Red Cross Society has decided to undertake a restoration project to ensure the shrine remains structurally sound and safe. In collaboration with the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University, a design for the renovated shrine has been completed.

Estimated Cost

The project is estimated to cost 5,000,000 baht.