Laphrahat Monument, sometimes called the "Royal Inscription Monument," is an important historical site in Prachinburi Province. Located in Si Maha Pho District, near the Sa Morakot archaeological site and the ancient city of Si Mahosot, a significant ancient civilization site in the eastern region, this site is significant because it was the location where King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited the ancient city of Si Maha Pho on December 18, 1908. He personally inscribed his royal initials "C.P.R." along with the year "R.S. 127" on an ancient laterite stone slab, serving as proof of his visit to the area.

The laterite slab bearing the royal inscription is originally a fragment of an ancient structure from the Lopburi or Khmer period. Scholars estimate its age to be around the 12th-13th centuries CE and that it was once part of a temple or religious site within the ancient city of Si Mahosot. This ancient city is considered a large, thriving ancient community center that flourished from the Dvaravati period through the ancient Khmer culture. Therefore, the area around the monument bearing the royal inscription is rich in archaeological evidence, including moats, ancient ruins, sacred ponds, and a Bodhi tree believed to be over 2,000 years old.

King Rama V's visit to Sri Maha Bodhi reflects his royal duties in surveying provincial cities, studying local history, and prioritizing Thai archaeology in the early stages of cultural heritage conservation. He favored traveling to various cities throughout the country to observe the lives of the people and study the geography, history, and artifacts of each area. The inscription of his royal name on the laterite stone is therefore not just a symbol of his visit, but also historical evidence confirming the importance of the ancient city of Sri Maha Bodhi in the eyes of the Thai monarch during the Rattanakosin era.

Following his visit in 1908, local villagers carefully preserved the laterite stone with the royal inscription. Later, a pavilion was built to cover it, protecting it from damage by weather and time. Later, in 1981, the Fine Arts Department registered this area as a national historical site because it is both ancient archaeological evidence and an important historical landmark related to the reign of King Rama V. Currently, the surrounding area has been improved into a public park and historical learning center, allowing citizens, students, and tourists to study the history of the ancient city of Sri Mahosot while commemorating the benevolent reign of King Chulalongkorn.

Today, the monument bearing the King's signature remains a focal point for the people of Sri Maha Phot district and Prachinburi province. Every December, a commemorative event is held to mark the anniversary of King Rama V's visit, featuring cultural activities, historical parades, historical exhibitions, and ceremonies to pay homage. This event serves to preserve the local historical memory and has become a significant activity reflecting the close relationship between the community and the area's historical heritage, while also promoting cultural tourism in Prachinburi province.

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How to Get There

• From Prachin Buri city center, take Highway 319 (Prachin Buri-Phanom Sarakham) towards Si Maha Phot. Turn left onto Highway 3070 towards Wat Sa Morakot. The monument is located along the road, approximately 1.5 km before reaching the Si Maha Phot district center.

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Travel Tips

• Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

• Combine your trip with the nearby Sa Morakot archaeological site.

• Read the historical information signs before exploring the area.

• Bring drinking water since the surrounding area is quite open.

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Admission Fees:

• Free admission.

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.