Thailand is a country with strong religious influences leading to many myths and legends. Thai folklore has stood the test of time and is still re-told. Likely with unique spins added between generations like a long-standing game of Chinese Whispers. From battles for kingdoms to ghosts and holy monks, Thai folklore has it all.
Now let’s get to know these myths and legends of Thai folklore further.
Fascinating Thai Folk Religion Tales
King Naresuan and Prince Mingya Swa
Over 400 years ago, Ayutthaya (Thailand) and Burma (Myanmar) were locked in a war that saw them fighting almost constant battles. With each battle, the tension between the two kingdoms grew until they planned one final battle.
Prince Mingya Swa of Burma planned a final attack that would result in the taking of Ayutthaya if all went well. But, King Naresuan of Ayutthaya had other ideas. Naresuan faked a retreat so that his main army could strike unexpectedly, however, this wasn’t enough.
The legend says that, while the two armies were locked in battle, Naresuan spotted Mingyi Swa and challenged him to a duel. But this was no ordinary duel, the two would duke it out atop a pair of elephants.
During the fierce battle, Naresuan almost succumbed to Mingya Swa but managed to land the fatal blow—which, according to legend, cut the young prince into two. While there are multiple accounts of what happened, including the lack of a formal duel and the Crowned Prince not being killed by the King, we do know that this battle is what ended the war between the two kingdoms.
The Ghost of Mae Nak (The Sleeping Lady)
Thai folklore tales about the ghost of Mae Nak are well-known in Thailand and Thai folk mythology. So much so that there was a movie (Pee Mak) based on the lore. Many say that this is the story of the Sleeping Lady. But in actual fact, it’s not exactly the same as the Sleeping Lady.
The legend of Mae Nak starts when her husband (Mak) is chosen to fight the ongoing war at the time. However, while Mak is gone, the unthinkable happens, both Nak and her child die during labor.
Here’s where things start to get interesting, though. It’s said that when Mak returns home he finds his loving wife and child there waiting for him. Mak, overflowing with joy to be back, doesn’t realize the signs that his wife is a ghost. This is until he sees one of her arms stretch from their elevated home to the ground below.
In shock, Mak flees from his home and deceased family, hiding where her ghost can’t find him. In the end, Mae Nak was exorcised (multiple times), but the Thai folklore legend still carries on today.
Holy Monk Luang Pu Thuad – A Legend Across Many Thai Temples
Born in the 16th century, Luang Pu Thuad became a monk at the young age of 15 in his province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Before becoming a monk, though, Luang Pu Thuad was performing miracles as a child. Some say that Luang Pu Tuad was almost attacked by a large serpent as a young baby. But, instead of being harmed in the attack, the snake gifted him with a crystal ball that shone in many different colors.
After being ordained he decided to begin a pilgrimage by boat to the kingdom’s capital, Ayutthaya. His mission was to further his knowledge and experience as a monk. However, the journey was anything but smooth. On the way, the boat found itself within a huge storm. But luckily for everyone present, Luang Pu Thuad calmed the seas so they could continue the journey. It’s even said that he made the seawater around the boat drinkable for those onboard.
Luang Pu Thuad eventually passed away in 1682 living to the ripe old age of 100. However, some say that he even lived until 120. The monk’s legend is so powerful that many Thai people today carry an amulet with a depiction of him for safety and protection. The local folk beliefs are said to ward off evil spirits and it’s still part of traditional celebrations.
Local Folk Stories Connected Nations!
Which myth or legend from this local folklore was your favorite? Did you prefer the legendary battle of King Naresuan or the miracles of Luang Pu Thuad? What about the spooky story of Mae Nak?
We were captivated by the way these tales could instill beliefs and moral lessons, and above all, enrich an already colorful storied history. Most spirits and underworld deities depicted in the ancient kingdoms became national icons deeply engrained in regional background of many areas of the country. Many Thai villages have a shrine dedicated to some mythical creatures from folk beliefs, and when visiting these sites, it is essential to respect customs and traditional beliefs.
These are just some of the many myths and legends that Thai culture and local folklore has documented throughout the years. If you enjoyed this post, keep a lookout for our next edition of Myths and Legends of Thailand.
Are there any myths and legends from your part of the world that you’d like us at Day Translations to write about? Let us know in the comments below!