Prince Apakorn Memorial Shrine: Father of the Thai Royal Navy
Father of the Royal Thai Navy, was the title given to Prince Apakorn for his numerous achievements and advances in the navy. Born on the 19th of December 1880, Prince Apakorn helped to modernize and instruct the Royal Thai Navy. Nearby Prasae Frigate Memorial in Rayong, you will find a shrine dedicated to the prince.
The prince died from the flu on the 19th of May 1923 in Sairee, Chumphon province, Thailand. The prince was 43 years old. This shrine is only one of the 217 that have been built to honor and pay tribute to the prince. Sailors of the Thai navy revere the prince and travel every once in a while to pay their respects to any of the memorial shrines around Thailand.
The shrine is situated alongside the Prasae River. The name of the memorial shrines is Sarn Klommaluang Chumphon, named after the prince. This particular shrine has a cruciform shape. Just outside the shrine are two sailor statues and two cannons that guard the entrance. A candle holder and joss stick holder are also located just outside the entrance to the shrine for visitors to pray, worship, and ask for luck.