Mural painting (Hoop Taem) depicting Phra Malai visiting heaven, at Wat Yang Thuang Wararam (วัดยางทวงวราราม), Maha Sarakham.
Cr. Wat Yang Thuang Wararam (วัดยางทวงวราราม)
Aphilak Kasempholkoon and Siraporn Nathalang present a folklore analysis of the “Phra Sri An” (พระศรีอาริย์) (Maitreya) myths in Thailand. Distinguishing between “convention” (myths derived from Pali scriptures) and “invention” (newly created local stories), the article explores how Thai society has reimagined the concept of the future Buddha. The authors argue that while conventional myths focus on doctrinal lineage, the “invented” myths such as the “White Crow” or connections to local monks—reveal the Thai people’s anxiety about the future and their attempt to localize the coming utopia within their own communities.
The Thailand Foundation invites you to delve into this study of Thai eschatology and cultural adaptation. This article reflects how Thai Buddhism is not static but creatively evolves to meet psychological needs, blending scriptural truth with local imagination to foster hope and preparedness for the era to come.
Authors: Aphilak Kasempholkoon and Siraporn Nathalang
This article was published in the Rian Thai International Journal of Thai Studies and is being shared by the Thailand Foundation with permission from the Thai Studies Center, Chulalongkorn University, all rights reserved to the owner of the material.
