PHRA SOMDET TO AND THAI GHOSTS

Superstition Lives On in The Modern Age

The Book

During vacation I read a book about Thai Buddhism.

It focused on Somdet To and Mae Nak.

Somdet To

Probably the most famous Thai monk.

Born around 1787. Died 1872. No one knows who his father is . Maybe King Rama II.

Why was he popular?

Somdet To was a people person.

And because he made very good amulets, which have became very valuable now.

Jinapanjara Gatha

Phra Somdet To’s favorite chant is the Jinapanjara Gatha.

He used it to defeat Mae Nak.

This chant is still very popular today and is used for protection.

Phra Somdet To Shrine

Somdet To has a shrine at Wat Indrawihan in Bangkok.

Here he is making holywater with a string tied to his finger.

Holy Water and Meditation

Mae Nak

The shrine of Mae Nak is at Wat Mahabut in Bangkok.

People go to her shrine to pray for protection for men in the military.

It is a very popular shrine.

Popular in Pop Culture

Many movies have been made about the legend of Mae Nak.

She is a Thai icon.

Pra Ruesee and Phi Krasue

PHI KRASUE ATTACKS PREGNANT WOMEN

Thai Ghosts on Parade

Baby Ae (Dek Sirirot)

People pray to Baby Ae to help them in sports competitions.

Gumarn Tong Dolls