Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine, Wang Burapha


Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine is a historic Chinese joss house located at 257 Chakkraphet Road, Wang Burapha Phirom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok near foot of Phra Pok Klao Bridge and Phahurat area, also known as Little India.
It's the shrine of Chao Mae Thaptim, goddess of the sea and maritime according to the belief of the Hainan people since ancient times similar to Shui Wei Sheng Niang, another goddess of the sea according to Chinese beliefs as well. Usually, Thai people call these two goddesses "Chao Mae Thaptim" and understand that the same goddess. Because they both wear red robes as well. But really, they're different goddess.
This shrine was registered as a house of worship since 1917 under supervision of Ministry of Interior. The interior enshrined wooden image of the goddess. It's said that the sandalwood floating to the mouth of Pak Khlong Talat nearby. The building of shrine was damaged by bombing of Second World War and was rebuilt in 1955, as seen today. It has been registered as one of Bangkok's archaeological sites since 1988.