Yameay Mosque

The Yameay Mosque, also known locally as Masjid Taling Chan, occupies a central role in the religious and cultural life of the Muslim community in Phuket, Thailand. Strategically located in the heart of Phuket Town along Taling Chan Road—flanked by the Hock Guan Kong Chinese Shrine and the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—the mosque exemplifies the island’s longstanding tradition of religious pluralism and intercultural coexistence.

Architecturally, the mosque is a three-story structure marked by a prominent green dome and an elegant minaret, elements that visually assert its Islamic identity in a religiously diverse urban environment. The mosque’s central location, near the well-known Surin Circle, further underscores its accessibility and symbolic presence within the city.

The main prayer hall is situated on the second floor, offering a well-appointed space that accommodates a significant number of congregants. The mosque includes both internal and external staircases to facilitate movement, particularly during peak times of worship. The third floor serves as an extended prayer area, particularly vital on Fridays when the Jumuʿah congregational prayer attracts between 600 to 800 attendees. This function highlights the mosque’s capacity to meet the spiritual needs of a large and active Muslim population.

Beyond its role as a site for religious observance, Yameay Mosque functions as a vital community center. It facilitates a range of social and cultural activities, reinforcing communal bonds and fostering Islamic values. The surrounding neighborhood features numerous Muslim-owned businesses, including halal restaurants, which collectively support both the religious practices and the economic livelihoods of local residents.

In addition to its architectural distinctiveness and religious utility, the mosque plays a crucial role in sustaining the cultural identity of Phuket’s Muslim population. It serves as a living example of how religious institutions can simultaneously support spiritual life, community development, and interreligious dialogue. As such, Yameay Mosque provides a compelling case study for scholars interested in the intersections of religion, architecture, and multicultural urbanism in Southeast Asia.