10 famous legends and myths in Thailand
Delve into the enchanting world of Thai legends and myths, where each story is steeped in deep cultural meaning and provides a window into Thailand's fascinating history. From love stories to heroic battles, these ten famous stories reveal the rich diversity of Thai culture, filled with romance, adventure and mystery.
About ghosts, phantoms, ghosts and other creeps…
Belief in ghosts, phantoms, specters and other supernatural phenomena is more vibrant than ever in Thailand. The concern to keep 'those across the street' happy or at least satisfied leaves traces throughout society. Ghosts are serious business in Thailand, so I'd like to take a quick look at some of the most notable inhabitants of Thailand's very diverse and very colorful ghost kingdom.
Mae Ya Nang, Patron Saint of the Thai Traveler
On the website of a Thai newspaper I read a short article about a simple ceremony to mark the imminent commissioning of a number of new electric-powered ferries on a canal in Bangkok.
The Royal Plowing Ceremony took place again yesterday and predicts a prosperous economy for 2022. The two sacred oxen chose water, grass and beans on Sanam Luang, indicating an abundance of water and food. They also drank liquor, which portends more robust international trade and a booming economy.
The Prophecy – A short story by Phaithun Thanya
He had been standing there for a very long time…. so long that no one really knew how long. The very old villagers and those who had died long ago also said that it had been there for as long as they could remember. The tree now spread its branches and its roots over a large area. Over a quarter of the village land there were roots when digging. Its gnarled roots and tangled branches indicated that this banyan tree was the oldest living thing in the village.
Thailand photo of the day: Phra Rahu, a demon god
Phra Rahu is worshiped in many temples in Thailand, the most famous being the Wat Srisathhong in Nakhon Pathom province. Phra Rahu used to be a demon god who, according to the Thais, took the form of a snake, nowadays he takes on a more demonic human form at temples. Phra Rahu is colored black, with only a torso and a head. He holds a golden sphere in front of his mouth, the golden sphere should represent the sun.
Kuman Thong – The legend of Khun Chang Khun Phaen
It is clear that superstition plays an important role in Thai culture. Just look at the many ghost houses. Animism, the belief in ghosts, goes quite far. Thai believe in good spirits that protect you and can bring you good luck, but the fear of evil spirits is much greater. A good spirit is the spirit of an unborn child: Kuman Tong.
10 questions and answers about ghosts and superstitions
What should you do if your dog starts whining at 2 a.m.? What's the easiest way to see a ghost? For some/most/all Thais, these questions shouldn't be too hard, but readers of Thailandblog will have more trouble with them. In this posting 10 questions about Thai ghosts and supernatural beliefs.
Penis amulets in Thailand
Years ago, Dick Koger saw a Thai who wore a rope with all kinds of wooden penises around his waist. His interest was piqued.
'Come Out of the Coffin'
During a nice dinner with two friends in a nearby restaurant I hear a curious story. I've been coming to Thailand for over 45 years and living here for 25 years and yet I've never heard, let alone seen, this story. If I'm being honest, I have to admit I'm jealous I missed out on this experience.
Ghosts; is faith fading?
Years ago I often visited Ban Tam, a hamlet near Chang Dao, about eighty kilometers north of Chiangmai. Ban Tam is known for its truly beautiful caves which are perhaps the most beautiful in Thailand and when darkness falls, the beautiful starry sky will melt your heart.
The oxen have chosen: This year a good harvest!
Thailand is not only the land of smiles but also the land of superstitions. This is reflected in daily life and many rituals. This week, for example, the start of rice cultivation was celebrated in Bangkok by means of the Raek Na Khwan ceremony.