Rama II Road
With Chinese New Year behind us, Ticy City officially steps into the Year of the Snake—or more precisely, the Little Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. To honor this transformative year, we turn to the legends of serpents, a creature steeped in mysticism and power.
Today, our resident storyteller, Nai Mu, takes us deep into the tale of Chao Mae Cobra and Her Offspring, a legend intricately tied to Rama II Road—a stretch of highway infamous for its never-ending construction and eerie folklore.
Snakes: Symbols of Mystery, Power, and Transformation
Since ancient times, snakes have captivated human imagination, appearing in myths, religious texts, and folklore across cultures. From Buddhist Jataka tales and the Bible to Greek and Hindu mythology, serpents have been depicted as both divine and dangerous—embodying wisdom, rebirth, and untamed power.
They move with silent precision, navigating land, water, and hidden underground realms. Their presence is often unpredictable, their intent unknowable. This duality of fear and reverence makes them one of the most enigmatic creatures in spiritual lore.
To embrace the energy of the snake, Ticy City invites you to visit the Chao Mae Cobra and Her Offspring Shrine on Rama II Road, Soi 48. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 2:00 AM, the shrine draws visitors seeking blessings, protection, and good fortune. For those traveling further, the Chao Pho Cobra Shrine in Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian, remains open 24/7—a sacred site known for its quiet, meditative atmosphere.
Chao Mae Cobra Shrine: A Haven for Fortune-Seekers
The Chao Mae Cobra Shrine is renowned for granting financial success and career breakthroughs. Devotees pray for prosperity, protection, and even fertility, leaving offerings of eggs, floral garlands, incense, and candles. Some even test their luck with lottery numbers, a tradition believed to be guided by the spirit of Chao Mae herself.
If prayers are answered, devotees return with lavish offerings—silk garments, jewelry, grand feasts, and even outdoor film screenings as a sign of gratitude. The ultimate blessing? If you spot a live snake during your visit, it’s said to be an omen of great fortune ahead.
The Legend of Chao Mae Cobra: A Mother’s Final Plea
The origins of the shrine trace back to a chilling tale from decades ago, when construction workers on Rama II Road reported strange dreams and mysterious accidents.
One night, an exhausted worker fell into a deep sleep and had a vivid dream. In it, a snake appeared before him, its movements slow and deliberate. Then, a soft woman’s voice echoed through the air:
“Worker, I beg you… I am about to give birth. Please grant me seven days. Once my young are born, we will leave this place. Show mercy, and you shall be blessed…”
The worker promised to help. But when he shared his dream with his supervisor the next morning, it was met with laughter.
“You must’ve eaten too much before bed! We’re on a deadline—the inspectors arrive in three days.”
Work continued as planned. Then, on the day of the inspection, a bulldozer operator unknowingly crushed an entire cobra nest—killing the mother, father, and newborn offspring in one tragic moment.
A deathly silence fell over the site. Workers stood frozen, recalling the dream’s eerie prophecy. But the horror had only begun.
From that day forward, construction accidents became frequent—severe injuries, unexplained machinery failures, even deaths. Some whispered that Chao Mae Cobra’s spirit was exacting revenge. Desperate for relief, workers began lighting incense, offering flowers, and praying for protection.
Then came the final twist of fate—the bulldozer driver who had destroyed the snake’s nest later ran over his own wife and child in a tragic accident. It was an unsettling case of karma coming full circle.
This is why Rama II Road earned its ominous reputation as the “Road of Death”, and why the shrine of Chao Mae Cobra and Her Offspring stands as a lasting tribute.
Sacred Shrines of the Snake Goddess
The Chao Mae Cobra Shrine, also called Mae Khwan Shrine, remains one of Bangkok’s most intriguing spiritual sites. Inside, visitors will find snake statues, elaborate Bai Sri arrangements, and sacred Hindu deities. Images of Manasa Devi, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu are enshrined here, reinforcing the snake’s deep-rooted connection to divine power.
Further along Rama II Road, the Chao Pho Cobra Shrine offers a quieter, more traditional space for worship. Unlike Chao Mae’s shrine, this one operates without commercial stalls—no lottery booths, no vendors selling pre-made offerings. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own fresh eggs, incense, and flowers. However, it does feature a unique tradition: open-air movie screenings, a customary offering for answered prayers.
Whether you come seeking fortune, spiritual guidance, or simply to pay respects, these shrines hold centuries of mystery, reverence, and untold stories.
“Mother Snake, Father Snake, whisper to us the winning number… left or right, where will fortune slither?”
May the Year of the Snake bring wisdom, transformation, and prosperity to all.
Story by Nai Mu
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