Popular Thai Myths and Legends That Have Survived Through Ages

Everyone loves a good tale of drama, magic and mythical creatures and Thailand has a lot of them to offer. For generations, Thailand has kept deeply embedded within its culture a wide range of folklore, myths and legends. Starting with giants to mermaids and tales of forbidden love, the Thai culture has passed down several legends through generations. In fact may of the Thailand’s places of worship have been constructed surrounding these legends. Here are some of the most popular legends and myths of Thailand that have survived down the ages.

Krasue

As the legend goes, Krasue was a woman who was promised for marriage to a Siamese noble man. However, Krasue was in love with a soldier and was burnt to death after she was caught with her lover. A sorceress attempted casting a spell of protection on her leaving only her head, viscera and intestines unscathed. It is believed that the Krasue’s ghostly remains roam around in the night looking for blood or flesh and many even claim to have spotted her at night.

The Miraculous Monk

Phra Luang Phor Tuad is considered one of the most respected and revered monks in the history of Thailand who is said to have performed many miracles. It is said that in his childhood, Phra Luang Phor Tuad was constricted by a snake but did not cause him any harm. Instead, the snake gave the monk a pearl from its mouth before leaving. After his ordination as a monk, he took a boat to Ayutthaya and was caught in a terrible storm. However, the monk performed two miracles that calmed the storm down and even turned the ocean water surrounding the boat into drinking water. Another legend tells the story of how he came to solve a puzzle that everyone else failed to solve. The monk lived for 120 years and is believed to have performed several miracles during his lifetime. The people of Thailand wear amulets that symbolize him and believe that these amulets contain his magic.

The Naga

Every Thai temple contains statues that resemble a dragon or a snake. However, these statues do not symbolize either of these creatures. They resemble nagas, which are considered to be semi-divine creatures living in the Mekong river causing the fireballs shooting phenomenon also known as the Naga fireball phenomenon. Nagas are believed to be guardian creatures that keep bad spirits away.