ไทย
The Phraya Wichit Songkram Residence is an open-air museum that systematically narrates the historical stories of Thalang, Phuket, and the surrounding areas through artifacts and archaeological sites within the fortified walls. It includes the City Hall, the Great Cannon in the city fort, the pond, and traces of the mining incursion.
This location is situated in Moo 3, Tha Reua Village, Sri Sunthon Sub-district, Thalang District, Phuket Province, near the Tha Reua Shrine and not far from the main city – pillar of Phuket in Tha Reua Village.
The history of this place is the residence, or house, of Phraya Wichit Songkram. It served as both a residence and a municipal administrative office in the same vicinity. Constructed during the same period as the upheavals in China (Guangxu) in the year 2419 B.E. (1876 CE), it is located on the original land of Pho Chae Ma Cheom Rattanadilok Na Phuket, or Phraya Thalang Cheom, near the main city pillar of Tha Reua, Thalang.
His Royal Highness Prince Krom Phraya Narisara Nuwattiwong performed the ceremonial consecration of the residence of Phraya Wichit Songkram, recording it as the ‘Camp of Phraya Phuket Changwang.’ This auspicious event took place on May 16, 1902 (Buddhist Era 2445).
During the reign of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, also known as King Rama V, His Royal Highness Prince Mahavajiravudh, the Crown Prince of Siam, performed the consecration ceremony on April 27, 1885 (Buddhist Era 2445). It is documented that, ‘…this residence, Phraya Wichit Songkram, was constructed when China issued a decree in Phuket, and Phraya Wichit Songkram realized the danger of residing in the city. Therefore, he built this house near the pier as a refuge, surrounded by sturdy walls resembling city fortifications. It had triangular-shaped battlements and strategically positioned watchtowers, demonstrating formidable defense preparations.
Presently, this site still retains traces of the fortified walls, drama pond, historical artifacts, and the municipal courthouse of Phraya Wichit Songkram (Tat Ratnadilok Na Phuket). Registered as a national historical site by the Fine Arts Department in the year 1985, the area spans 10 rai, 1 ngan, and 18 square wah. This was officially documented in the Royal Gazette, Volume 102, Section 128, on September 17, 1985.
You can visit every day at https://maps.app.goo.gl/aovyt7pDV4nWj9Uv6