Our Lady of the Martyrs of Thailand Shrine

This shrine is the largest Catholic church building in Thailand and sits near the Mekong River with marble walls and ornate religious decoration throughout. The complex includes a main structure, cemetery, memorial areas, and a museum displaying personal items and documents from those remembered here.

Seven Catholic martyrs from Songkhon village were executed here in 1940 during a period of rising tensions between France and Thailand. The shrine was later built to remember these events and preserve the faith history of Thailand's Catholic minority.

The shrine blends Catholic imagery with local architectural traditions, showing how Christian faith coexists in a Buddhist region. Pilgrims from nearby villages visit regularly to honor those remembered here through prayer and flowers.

The site is open daily and visitors can explore the cemetery, memorial areas, and museum rooms at their own pace. Guided tours are available for groups and provide deeper insight into the stories of those honored here.

Handwritten letters and documents from those executed are preserved in the museum section, revealing their final thoughts and prayers. These intimate records offer a rare glimpse into the personal feelings of those who died for their faith.

Location: Pong Kham

GPS coordinates: 16.77511,104.73822

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:22