News & Activities
AWC establishes a social enterprise to manage "Mazu Shrine" under The Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination, a commitment to preserve cultural, historical values, and the spirit of the community for sustainable growth
Bangkok, 19 June 2023 - Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, announced the establishment of a new subsidiary, Mazu Shrine Co., Ltd. as a social enterprise to manage the Mazu Shrine under The Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination. Profits from the subsidiary will be used for the maintenance of Mazu Shrine, as well as for the benefit of society and surrounding communities, a part of AWC’s commitment to preserve cultural, historical values and the spirit of the community for sustainable growth.
Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp. Public Company Limited or AWC, said that “AWC took over the lease of "Lhong 1919”, the historic riverfront area, at the end of 2022 to transform The Long 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination and elevate Bangkok to become a world-class sanctuary and wellness destination. We have partnered with Marriott International to develop and manage The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, The Riverside, and create a unique riverfront experience as The Integrated Wellness Destination.”
The new Mazu Shrine Company Limited subsidiary will manage the Mazu Shrine at Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination for people to visit and pay homage. The profits will be used for the maintenance of Mazu Shrine. This is a part of AWC’s commitment to preserve the cultural and historical values and the spirit of the community for sustainable growth.
"Mazu Shrine is located in the heritage building of Lhong 1919. AWC will transform the area while preserving the 4 historic structures, as well as the local culture, architecture and ancient Chinese arts so that everyone can experience the history while creating sustainable value for the community. We would like to pass on the culture to future generations to pay respect to the goddess Mazu, the center of respect and worship for people in the community. The Mazu goddess is enshrined with 3 statues representing different stages of her manifestation including, 1) Young girl to worship for education and love, 2) Adulthood to worship for business and wealth and 3) Goddess to worship for health and prosperity”, Mrs.Wallapa added.
AWC has a strong commitment to preserving the communities where it operates to enhance the quality of life for the people living in the surrounding areas. The company has organized annual activities with the local community to worship the goddess Mazu during the Chinese New Year, Chinese Spirit Festival, and the Moon Festival, etc. In 2022, the company signed a lease to rent The Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination, a historic riverside destination from Wang Lee Co., Ltd., for approximately 64 years to build a better future together and create long-term value for the wellness tourism industry.
"Mazu Goddess" or "Tubtim Goddess" is a shrine that has been located alongside "Houy Chung Lhong" or Lhong 1919 Pier since its establishment in 1850, during the reign of King Rama IV. The Chinese goddess is worshipped by seafarers. When Chinese people travelled to Thailand, they would pay respect to the goddess for blessings and thank her for protecting them during the journey. They would also come to pay respect before their return. "Goddess Mazu" is, therefore, the center of worshipping for people who come to trade and prosper, making Lhong 1919 an auspicious area covering Song Wad and Chinatown. In addition protecting seafarers, Mazu is also the goddess of stability and success. Therefore, from the past to the present, people would come to pay homage for their work and success.
"The Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination" and Mazu Shrine is open for visitors every day from 08:00 - 18:00 hrs. (no admission fee) with parking available.