Every year, I always come to this place to donate money to the Poh Tek Tung foundation which actively volunteers for the disaster relief events as well as providing accessible health care to the community. The foundation existed for a century and I truly admire the impact of their work to the welfare of the society. All of this is inspired by Tai Hong Kong who has been in the hearts of many Thai-Chinese people as an initiator to the principle of this charity and volunteering activities to support the community. Here is the story of Tai Hong Kong, his shrine and the foundation.
Who is Tai Hong Kong?
Tai Hong Kong was a Buddhist monk from Zhejiang Province, China, during the Song Dynasty (around 900 years ago). During his monkhood, he dedicated himself to restoring temples, performing religious duties, and spreading moral teachings in Teochew (Chaozhou). He also worked to develop local communities and provide social welfare through charitable acts.
In his last decade of life, an epidemic occurred, in which many people perished, he led his disciples in collecting and burying the unclaimed bodies. He also established clinics to treat illnesses, distributed medicine and provided food for those in need, serving until the crisis had passed.
After his death, those who have faith in his work built a shrine and statue in his honor. The memorial shrine was named “Poh Teck Tung”, which means “Memorial of those who have done good deeds”. This name later became the name of the foundation in Thailand, “Poh Teck Tung Foundation”, which has carried on his legacy through social welfare work and public charity in Thailand.
The statue of Tai Hong Kong in this shrine was constructed between 1909 and 1918 in the style of Southern Chinese, making this the first Tai Hong Kong shrine in Thailand.
Poh Teck Tung Foundation
From the initial establishment of the Tai Hong Kong shrine by Chinese immigrants in Thailand who had deep faith in Tai Hong Kong, this devotion gradually expanded and eventually led to the founding of the Poh Teck Tung Foundation in 1937. The foundation was created in accordance with the principles of Tai Hong Kong.
The Poh Teck Tung Foundation’s primary objective is to assist those affected by fire, floods, storms, and other natural disasters, as well as to manage and provide funeral services for unclaimed bodies, establish cemeteries, and carry out general charitable activities—such as the annual “Tekrajad” a food donation event for the underprivileged.
The foundation later expanded its scope to include medical care, through the establishment of Hua Chiew Hospital, a hospital that offers modern and traditional Chinese medicine with certified standards near Yaowarat area. The foundation also promotes high quality medical education to those who are interested.
What to see and what to do?
Pray and rest inside the shrine
The shrine has been renovated recently and open for anyone. You can pray to the Tai Hong Kong and wish for good health or rest inside for a while.
Get a free charm to your door
For special occasions, you can find a free charm on the candle rack where you can get it for free. Put it at the front door of your house, facing outside, it is believed that the charm will protect you from bad energy and encourage good health.
Donate money to the foundation
If you wish to support the activities of Poh Teck Tung Foundation, you may visit the donation room which is located inside the shrine to make a contribution according to your generosity or walk to the Poh Teck Tung Foundation at the opposite side.
Opening hours
Tai Hong Kong Shrine open daily from 06:00 until 20:00
Poh Teck Tung Foundation (opposite of Tai Hong Kong Shrine) is open 24/7.
Entrance fee
Free for everyone.
How to get there?
By MRT and walk
Get off the train at MRT Wat Mangkorn Station and use exit 3. At the corner of the entrance, there will be a small alley named Trok Itsaranuparb. Walk inside. The alley will be packed with people and shops. Walk straight for about 130 meters. Cross the street and continue to walk for another 150 meters, the entrance of the shrine will be on the left.
There are many interesting places nearby within walking distance. You can find more information about the transportation in this area from this link
