{"id":1926,"date":"2021-09-22T21:04:06","date_gmt":"2021-09-22T14:04:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/?post_type=culture_heritage&p=1926"},"modified":"2025-04-28T20:07:14","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T13:07:14","slug":"thai-mythical-creatures-where-to-find-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/th\/thai-mythical-creatures-where-to-find-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Thai Mythical Creatures: Where to Find Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

[photo cr. Pantip<\/a>]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mythical creatures like the sphinx, kraken, dragon, and Cerberus are known the world over. For Thais, we have a plethora of beings that are equally intriguing from a noble elephant with six tusks, to a giant <\/em>bird that can part the sea with a single flap of its wings, to extraordinary trees that bear fruits in the form of beautiful women. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These mythical beings dwell within the Himmapan Forest (Thai:\u0e1b\u0e48\u0e32\u0e2b\u0e34\u0e21\u0e1e\u0e32\u0e19\u0e15\u0e4c), a faraway magical land full of mysteries and wonders.<\/span><\/p>\n

How many kinds of creatures are there? Where exactly is the Himmapan Forest? Why are these creatures culturally significant? We are here to explore the answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An Assortment of Beings<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

There is a multitude of mythical Himmapan creatures. From magical types to those with supernatural powers, and the most fascinating of all are ones that are a combination of different animals.<\/span><\/p>\n

These creatures denote cultural ways that are indicative of a vast number of ancestral roots. From Buddhist legends, Brahmanism, folklores, and even influences from Chinese and western arts. This is testament of the Thai people\u2019s innovative thinking and openness to embrace other cultures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example of Himmapan creatures can be summarized as follows.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The elephant clan:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Karinta Paksa <\/em>(Thai: \u0e01\u0e23\u0e34\u0e19\u0e17\u0e1b\u0e31\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32) is black in color. He has red ears and a bird\u2019s tail.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Chattan Hudtee <\/em>(Thai: \u0e09\u0e31\u0e17\u0e17\u0e31\u0e19\u0e15\u0e4c\u0e2b\u0e31\u0e15\u0e16\u0e35) has a white torso. His tail, feet, and back ridge are red. He has six tusks, the ability to fly, and moves swiftly on his feet.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Hem Hudtee <\/em>(Thai: \u0e40\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e2b\u0e31\u0e15\u0e16\u0e35) is golden in color and has super strength.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Kunchon Waree <\/em>(Thai: \u0e01\u0e38\u0e0d\u0e0a\u0e23\u0e27\u0e32\u0e23\u0e35) has an elephant torso and the tail of a fish.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"\"Kunchon Waree<\/em> [photo cr. Pinterest:Panyapas Sripraphassorn]<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The lion clan:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Kraisorn Rajasri<\/em> (Thai: \u0e44\u0e01\u0e23\u0e2a\u0e23\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e2b\u0e4c) is pure white in color with spirals across his torso. He has large eyes. His lips, tail tip, and claws are red.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Kala Sriha<\/em> (Thai: \u0e01\u0e32\u0e2c\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e2b\u0e30) is jet black and has a cow-like torso. He consumes grass.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Tinna Sriha<\/em> (Thai: \u0e15\u0e34\u0e13\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e2b\u0e30) has a cow-like body. He consumes grass.<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Buntu Rajasri<\/em> (Thai: \u0e1a\u0e31\u0e13\u0e11\u0e38\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e2b\u0e4c) is yellow with black stripes and a white underbelly. His body resembles a tiger. He is a carnivore.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \"\"<\/p>\n

      Kraisorn Rajasri<\/em> [photo cr. Pantip<\/a>]<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      The horse clan:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Durong Kraisorn<\/em> (Thai: \u0e14\u0e38\u0e23\u0e07\u0e04\u0e4c\u0e44\u0e01\u0e23\u0e2a\u0e23) is red in color. His head is that of a lion and he is regal. He is a carnivore.<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Hemara Ussadorn<\/em> (Thai: \u0e40\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e23\u0e32\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e28\u0e14\u0e23) has a horse torso and the head of a bird.<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Durong Paksin<\/em> (Thai: \u0e14\u0e38\u0e23\u0e07\u0e04\u0e4c\u0e1b\u0e31\u0e01\u0e29\u0e34\u0e13) is a winged horse that is pure white in color. He has a bird-like tail. His neck, hooves, and tail are jet black.<\/span><\/li>\n
      4. Mah Nin Mungkorn<\/em> (Thai: \u0e21\u0e49\u0e32\u0e19\u0e34\u0e25\u0e21\u0e31\u0e07\u0e01\u0e23) is half-horse and half-dragon, a form influenced by the Chinese qilin <\/em>(Thai: \u0e01\u0e34\u0e40\u0e25\u0e19).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

         <\/p>\n

        \"\"Mah Nin Mungkorn<\/em> [photo cr.\u0e2a\u0e31\u0e15\u0e27\u0e4c\u0e43\u0e19\u0e27\u0e23\u0e23\u0e13\u0e04\u0e14\u0e35\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22<\/a>]<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        The bovine clan:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Ko U-Suparaj<\/em> (Thai: \u0e42\u0e04\u0e2d\u0e38\u0e2a\u0e38\u0e20\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a) is a noble cow. He is black with seven white spots on his body, front legs, chest, tail, and hump.<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Ko<\/em> Prueksa Kawain<\/em> (Thai:\u0e42\u0e04\u0e1e\u0e24\u0e01\u0e29\u0e01\u0e27\u0e32\u0e23\u0e34\u0e19) has the torso of a cow and the tail of a fish. He is white and has a brown ridge.<\/span><\/li>\n
        3. Ko<\/em> A-Supa Paksin<\/em> (Thai:\u0e42\u0e04\u0e2d\u0e28\u0e38\u0e20\u0e1b\u0e31\u0e01\u0e29\u0e34\u0e13) is blue with white legs. He has wings and a bird-like blue tail.<\/span><\/li>\n
        4. Paksa Kawi <\/em>(Thai: \u0e1b\u0e31\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32\u0e04\u0e32\u0e27\u0e35) is cream colored with a bird-like tail and has horns.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

           <\/p>\n

          \"\"<\/p>\n

          Ko A-Supa Paksin<\/em> [photo cr. Pantip<\/a>]<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

          The bird clan:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Garuda, or Krut <\/em>(Thai: \u0e04\u0e23\u0e38\u0e11), is a half-man and half-bird. He is powerful and is the vehicle Lord Vishnu, one of the three supreme deities of Hinduism.<\/span><\/li>\n
          2. Nok Hussadiling<\/em> (Thai: \u0e19\u0e01\u0e2b\u0e31\u0e2a\u0e14\u0e35\u0e25\u0e34\u0e07\u0e04\u0e4c) is a large bird that has a trunk and tusks like an elephant.<\/span><\/li>\n
          3. Kinnaree\/Kinnanorn <\/em>(Thai: \u0e01\u0e34\u0e19\u0e23\u0e35 \/\u0e01\u0e34\u0e19\u0e19\u0e23) is half-man and half-bird (the females are called Kinnaree<\/em> and the males Kinnanorn<\/em>). Their abode is on the Himmapan mountaintop known as Chanta Bunpot <\/em>(Thai: \u0e08\u0e31\u0e19\u0e17\u0e1a\u0e23\u0e23\u0e1e\u0e15).<\/span><\/li>\n
          4. Nok Tantima <\/em>(Thai: \u0e19\u0e01\u0e17\u0e31\u0e13\u0e11\u0e34\u0e21\u0e32) has a torso of a Garuda and the head of a bird. He carries a staff at all times. Tanta<\/em> (Thai: \u0e17\u0e31\u0e13\u0e11) means staff.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

             <\/p>\n

            \"\"<\/p>\n

            Phaya Krut<\/em> (King of the Krut<\/em>) depicted on the National Emblem of Thailand [photo cr. Wikipedia]<\/p>\n

             <\/p>\n

            The marine clan:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Hae Ra<\/em> (Thai: \u0e40\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e32) has the torso of naga. He has legs, horns, and a kanok plaew<\/em> (Thai:\u0e01\u0e19\u0e01\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e25\u0e27, flame-like patterns) comb. He has an elongated face, pointed nose, and big eyes. His lips are red. He has fangs, and two rows of sharp teeth.<\/span><\/li>\n
            2. Naga, or Phaya Nak <\/em>(Thai: \u0e1e\u0e0d\u0e32\u0e19\u0e32\u0e04) is a serpent with scales and a golden comb. It is a very powerful being with the ability to shapeshift. There are four naga families.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n