The Somdej Phrachao Taksin Maharat Shrine is dedicated to the general who drove the Burmese out of Siam after their razing of Ayutthaya, reunifying the kingdom and establishing a new capital at Thonburi (now part of Bangkok). Previously Governor of Tak, which gave him half his name, he became King Taksin in 1767 but was executed following a coup against him in 1782.

The shrine is located on the north side of the city along Highway 12, opposite Wat Bot Manee Si Bunruang, about 500 metres east of the Ping River bridge. It was built in a more prominant position in 1920 with a distinctive hat-shaped roof to replace an original wooden structure that was built next to the pillar shrine.