Asset World Corporation Public Company Limited (AWC), a Thai real estate developer focused on comprehensive lifestyle solutions, has established a new subsidiary, Ma Joow Shrine Co., Ltd., to serve as a social enterprise managing the Ma Joow Shrine under the The Long 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination project. The profits generated will be used for the maintenance and care of the Ma Joow Shrine, as well as for the benefit of the surrounding community, preserving the cultural, historical, and spiritual values of the community sustainably.

Na-Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and Managing Director of Asset World Corporation Public Company Limited (AWC), stated, "After AWC began operating the historic riverside land 'The Long 1919' at the end of 2022 to transform the historic riverside area into The Long 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination, elevating Bangkok as a world-class luxury destination through collaboration with Marriott International in developing and managing The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, The Riverside, creating an international riverside health landmark (The Integrated Wellness Destination)."

Recently, regarding the Ma Joow Shrine, AWC has registered the establishment of a new subsidiary, Ma Joow Shrine Co., Ltd., aiming to operate as a social enterprise with the primary objective of managing the Ma Joow Shrine under The Long 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination project. This initiative will ensure the shrine is well-managed and accessible for worshippers, with profits reinvested to preserve and develop the Ma Joow Shrine further, aligning with AWC's commitment to preserving cultural, historical, and community values sustainably.

The Ma Joow Shrine is located in the historic buildings of The Long 1919, where AWC will develop the project while preserving the values of the four old buildings, as well as local culture, architecture, and valuable ancient Chinese art. This will allow everyone to experience history while creating sustainable value for the community and passing on the culture for future generations to worship the Ma Joow deity, a focal point for the community and a source of blessings. The shrine houses the Ma Joow deity in three forms: 1) The Young Girl form, or Choi Buay Niew, which grants blessings for education and partners; 2) The Adult form, or Hai Tang Ma, which grants blessings for business and wealth; and 3) The God form, or Tian Hou Jie Bo, which grants blessings for health and prosperity,” Na-Wallapa said.

In the past, AWC has been involved in caring for the surrounding community to improve the quality of life for local residents and has organized annual activities to worship the Ma Joow deity together with the community, such as offering prayers during the Chinese New Year, the Chinese Ghost Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. In 2022, the company also signed a lease agreement for the land and buildings at The Long 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination with Wang Lee Co., Ltd. for approximately 64 years to create long-term value together for a better future for Thailand's health tourism industry.

The 'Ma Joow' or 'Jao Mae Thapthim' shrine is an ancient shrine that has been located alongside the 'Hua Jung Long' pier or Long 1919 pier since its establishment in 1850 during the reign of King Rama IV, totaling over 170 years. It is the guardian deity of maritime navigation, a historical trade route. When Chinese people traveled from overseas to Thailand, they would come to worship and thank the deity for safe passage, and upon returning home, they would also come to bid farewell to the Ma Joow deity. Thus, the Ma Joow deity has become a spiritual center for traders, bringing prosperity to the Long 1919 area, connecting to Song Wat and Yaowarat. Besides being a protector of safe sea travel, it is also a deity of stability and success, leading people to seek blessings for work and success from ancient times to the present.

Those interested can visit 'The Long 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination' and worship the Ma Joow deity every day from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM (free admission) with parking services available.