Lui Im Yee Shrine, located at the foot of Sam Roi Yot Mountain, in Rai Kaeo Subdistrict, Sam Roi Yot District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, is a sacred place of great historical and cultural significance. The shrine was founded based on a dream of the Chinese merchant, Thao Kae Kaeng, who had moved to Thailand during the reign of King Rama V after fleeing the wars in China.

 

Thao Kae Kaeng initially settled in Samut Prakan. One day, after visiting the Hock Hieang Siang Toh Shrine in the Talat Noi area of Bangkok, he had a dream where a deity invited him to a place in the southern part of Thailand. The dream revealed that this place was Sam Roi Yot Mountain, and the deity mentioned that the place was sacred and only those with good karma would find it. The deity also stated that a Buddhist shrine should be established there, but it should only begin once the jackfruit tree in his home bloomed.

 

When the jackfruit tree at his home bloomed, Thao Kae Kaeng became determined to find the place from his dream. He gathered his friends and set off by train without a specific destination in mind. Eventually, the train reached the area near Sam Roi Yot Mountain, and Thao Kae Kaeng exclaimed, "I found it! This is the place!" as he pointed to the mountains to the east. They got off the train at the Sam Roi Yot station and inquired with the locals, discovering that the mountain range was indeed called "Sam Roi Yot."

 

The group traveled approximately 6 kilometers from the train station to the base of the mountain, where they encountered difficulties, including wading through water, before finally reaching the base. They camped under a large Sala tree. The next day, they explored the area to find the best location for the construction of the Buddhist shrine before returning home.

 

Later, Thao Kae Kaeng gathered donations from the faithful, raising 6,000 baht, and returned to begin the construction of the shrine in 1918. Initially, the shrine was built using wood from the foot of the mountain, thatched roofs, and bamboo woven walls, with the floor made from compressed gravel. Over time, the shrine was upgraded to a more permanent structure.

 

Today, Lui Im Yee Shrine remains a sacred site for worshippers, with a statue of "Phor Phu Sam Roi Yot," the deity of virtue, goodness, and honesty, installed within the shrine. The locals revere Phor Phu Sam Roi Yot, and every year, a religious ceremony is held in the middle of March to honor the deity.

 

Apart from its spiritual significance, Lui Im Yee Shrine is also an important tourist destination. Visitors can experience the serene beauty of Sam Roi Yot Mountain, enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape, and engage in worship and reflection at this peaceful and sacred site.