All the Legends, Myths and Mysteries

Mythical Beast stands tall at Wat Phra Kaew Temple
Mythical Beast stands tall at Wat Phra Kaew Temple

A great many of the Yaksha images found in Thailand are seen as enormous grimacing giants sporting brightly coloured faces and attire. They almost always tower above the entrances to temple complexes such as those found at Wat Phra Kaew. Many more of these mythical creatures you can also find at various other places around the country.

There are several impressive examples of these superstructures (some as tall as six metres) to be viewed in the departure hall of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

Thailand is not only a land full of myths, legends and fairy tales, but superstitious conduct also cannot be completely ruled out.

Fact or fiction, it may come as no surprise for you stumble upon a few of these bizarre creatures at various stages of your travel. Is it all about ancient mysticism confronting modern madness? I’ll leave that to your judgment to try and figure it out.

You could say that this particular mythical creature may have rightfully been conceived as a kind of Hindu supernatural being and in all probability, had its origin among the early indigenous peoples of India. Though they are mostly inoffensive, they can be contrived to be a little troublesome at times. They also seem to have been somewhat analogous to the fairies of other countries.

I would appreciate anyone who is kind enough to read this article and who may have any other additional information regarding the details described here, to contact me so that I may improve the subject not only for myself but for others as well.

Monkey Warriors at Wat Phra Kaew Temple
Monkey Warriors at Wat Phra Kaew Temple


Other Mythical Creatures you may like to try

Naga is a serpent-like protector of Buddha. 
Garuda is a mythical birdlike creature in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. 
Kinnari appears in the form of a half-woman and half-bird.
Apsonsi appears in the form of a half-woman and half-lion
Makara in ancient Hindu mythology is seen as aquatic monsters made up either as a part serpent, part crocodile and part elephant.
Erawan is a three-headed mythical elephant of Hindu origin. The elephant statue seen in the photo is located in the province of Samut Prakan just outside Bangkok.
Hongsa is often seen as a glittering five metre tall swan-like figure gracing the prow of a royal barge or perched high on the apex of temple roofs. 
Singha has a lion-like figure whose primary function is to guard the temples.