The grand annual ceremony for the Ratchaburi City Pillar Shrine 2026 has begun, celebrating the 209th anniversary of the only city pillar shrine in Thailand located inside a military camp.
Reporters note the official opening of the major annual festival of Ratchaburi residents, the 2026 Ratchaburi City Pillar Shrine ceremony. This year marks the 209th anniversary, with a grand 10-day, 10-night celebration from 6 to 15 March at the shrine area within Phanurangsi Camp, Royal Engineers Regiment.
The opening ceremony was lively and well-attended, with Ms. Thitilak Khampha, Governor of Ratchaburi, presiding, joined by Lieutenant General Theerapol Srikasem, Commander of the Royal Engineers Regiment, and Mr. Chitsakorn Rangsisermsuk, Deputy Chief Executive of Ratchaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, along with representatives from all sectors and a large crowd of attendees.
A must-see highlight for devotees seeking good fortune is paying respects at the 209-year-old city pillar shrine, offering prayers to revered sacred objects "Phra Si Muang" and "Luang Pho Kaen Chan," both city guardians, as well as venerating the Buddha relics for blessings and prosperity.
Visitors can check in at unique photo spots, including the classic ancient city gate, Thailand’s only suspension railway bridge, and stroll across the "M4 Bridge," a military bridge spanning the Mae Klong River that connects the Royal Engineers Camp to the Koi Kee Market in a stylish way. There are also OTOP and affordable goods available for shopping.
Entertainment is abundant with amusement park rides, traditional folk games, and a unique twist where, unlike other places featuring girls falling into water, this event has boys falling into water, drawing female visitors to join in the fun. Live music performances add to the nightly free entertainment.
The Ratchaburi City Pillar Shrine was originally built during the reign of King Rama II (1817 CE). Later, during King Rama V’s reign, the city moved to the right bank of the Mae Klong River, but the city pillar did not relocate. This area eventually became the Royal Engineers Regiment headquarters, making this shrine the only city pillar shrine in Thailand located inside a military camp.