Culture & Religion

The great majority of the people of Phetchaburi, 95%, are Buddhist, with minority groups including Muslims, Christians and others.

Because most of the people are ethnic Thais and Buddhists, many temples have been built in the town over the centuries. The relationship between households and temples is still very active today. Faith in Buddhism is clearly displayed in the arts and architecture of the province. Cement modeling, ‘poon pun’, is an art unique to Phetchaburi and Thailand.

Other folk arts and culture are closely tied to the way of life of the people, particularly agriculture. Racing of oxen or ‘wua larn’, a festival held annually in January after the harvest season, is one example. Gambling over the outcome of these races used to play an important part of the festival. Ownership of oxen is traditionally regarded as a symbol of prestige in the area.

A popular artistic performance of Phetchaburi is a costumed dance drama called ‘lakhon chatri’, an important local entertainment played since the reign of King Rama V. Lakhon chatri is usually held in temples or at shrines, especially Phetchaburi’s Wat Mahathat. Performances can often be seen at the City Pillar (Lak Muang), at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.

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