Exploring Trat Beyond the Textbooks: Part 1 - Tracing the History of Trat - Laem Ngop

Many people may know Trat Province from Koh Chang and Koh Kood. It is well known that when visiting Trat, one must go to the islands to find the sea. However, I must emphasize that Trat Province has more to offer than just islands. Many people may consider it a mere stopover.

As a native of Trat, I would like to present Trat in a different light.

Trad Province boasts a significant historical role in Thailand. The province was once ceded to France, but was later reclaimed during the reign of King Rama V.

Today, there is a historical tour of Trat Province, which has many important places. The first place to start is the Trat Provincial Museum.

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The museum was originally the old Traat Provincial Hall. It was damaged by fire and subsequently renovated into a museum. It is the only museum in Thailand that does not have the word "National" in its name. This is because it is under the administration of the Trat Municipality. The building is made of wood and has a high foundation. Inside, there is a permanent exhibition.

This is a list of six topics.

1. Natural and Cultural Heritage of Trat City

2. People of Trat city

3. Archaeological and historical sequence of Trat city

4. Major events during the reign of King Chulalongkorn

5. The Battle of Ko Chang

6. Trad Town Market

Tuesday-Friday 09:00-16:00 hrs.

Weekends and public holidays: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

(Closed on Mondays) For more information, please contact Trad Museum Facebook page.

The atmosphere inside the museum

Equestrian Statue of King Rama V in Front of Trat Provincial Hall

• พระบรมรูป ร.5: Equestrian Statue of King Rama V
• หน้าศาลากลางจังหวัดตราด: In Front of Trat Provincial Hall

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• The original text contains a link to a Facebook page, which is not translated.
• The original text uses the abbreviation "ร.5" for King Rama V. This is translated to the full name "King Rama V" in the English translation.
• The original text uses the word "หน้า" which can mean "in front of" or "face". In this context, it is translated as "in front of".

Before embarking on a long journey, pay respects to the statue of King Rama V, which stands in front of the Traat Provincial Hall.

King Rama V's significant contributions to the city of Trat, including its restoration and twelve royal visits, have earned him immense respect and admiration from the local populace.

Wat Yothanimit (Wat Bot)

This temple is located in the city center of Trat. It is an ancient temple that played a significant role during the reign of King Taksin. The king gathered his forces in Trat and stayed at this temple. As a result, the temple features a monument and a shrine dedicated to King Taksin, which is shaped like a boat and situated in the middle of a body of water.

The old church

The new church

King Taksin Monument

The shrine of King Taksin is a boat-shaped structure located in the middle of the water.

Wat Phai Lom

This temple plays a significant role in education within the province of Trat and actively contributes to community development.

The object of worship is the Three Venerable Monks Pagoda Museum, located on an island in the middle of the water in the Buddha Dharma Garden of the Faculty of Education.

Trad City Pillar Shrine

This is a unique temple that differs from others due to its Chinese architectural style. It is highly revered by the people of Trat.

The shrine is believed to have been built during the reign of King Taksin, who once visited Trat. During the French occupation, attempts were made to demolish the pillars using elephants, but they remained intact. Every year on the 6th waning day of the 6th lunar month, a celebration called "Pli Mueang Day" or "Sia Gong Sai Yid Day" is held, which marks the birthday of the City Pillar Shrine. The ceremony includes a Thai-style alms offering.

Within the city pillar shrine, there are two prominent pillars: the taller one representing the city pillar itself, and the shorter one representing the Shiva Lingam.

Juang Residence, Kampot

This building, once the residence of the French commissioner, known as the Résident, was a three-story structure that served as the administrative center for the French governing the province of Trat.

It has now become the Probation Office of the Ministry of Justice.

There are many spots for taking cool photos.

Temple of the Lotus Flower

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The oldest temple in Trat province, built during the Ayutthaya period. Notable features include:

The murals in the ordination hall blend Thai and Chinese artistic styles, featuring floral motifs.

The principal Buddha image, Luang Pho To, has a unique feature: his fingers and toes are milky white, resembling those of a human being.

The Wihan Phang Saiyasana and the museum within the temple, where photography is not permitted.

Vihara Phang Saiyasana

The Wali Table: An Islamic Religious Site within Laem Makham Temple

Note: The original text was in Thai and has been translated to English.

The Wali Table is a revered site for Muslims, offering spiritual solace. It houses a concrete platform covering a wooden log, veiled in sand. The ritual involves sprinkling sand over one's head.

The murals inside the chapel of Wat Laem Kham depict King Rama V's visit to Trat province.

Commemorating the Battle of Ko Chang Naval Monument

The museum building resembles a warship, with a monument to Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, the Duke of Chumphon, on top.

A museum commemorating the history of the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsakdi and the naval battle between the Royal Thai Navy and the French naval forces, known as the "Battle of Koh Chang".

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