Thai Folklore & Fairy Tales You Won’t Believe We Tell To Kids
These stories are drawn from works of Thai literature. We've included as much of the original text as possible for your enjoyment.
Thai literature, unlike stories of the rest of the world, is not sugarcoated for kids. They may sound harsh and brutal, but they are not afraid of spilling the truth. These are some popular stories children grow up reading and hearing in Thailand.
Pla Boo Thong
One of a wealthy merchant's wives is pure in heart whereas the other is not so much. Strangely, both women have daughters that resemble one another. Aueay takes after her mother in being kind and compassionate, whereas her sister Aai seems envious. In the end, the fruit doesn't fall close to the tree. The animosity between Aai and the mother eventually manifests physically. To just get rid of Aueay's mom, they choose to employ an assassin. Nevertheless, she is soon reborn as a yellow goby to protect her little daughter from harm, thanks to her good karma. Yet evildoers are never at peace. Aueay is compelled to devour her own mother when Aai & her mother discover what's happening and catch the fish, boil it, and give it to the family. A little time later, a good-hearted prince meets Aueay and becomes fascinated with her. She eventually moves into the castle to get away from her evil stepmother and sister. With her jealousy at an all-time high, Aai convinces Aueay to return home by claiming their father is in critical condition. While Aueay visits her father, she unexpectedly dies after walking into a pit of hot oil. After witnessing her sister's brutal death, Aai assumes her identity and moves in with the prince. The truth will be revealed and Aai will be executed, but karma hath kept its receipt.
Khun Chang Khun Phaen
It might be said that Khun Pan is the most affable male figure in all of Thai literature. He is attractive, and skilled in battle and spellcasting. This is why he marries too many women during his life. While the majority of his relationships were plagued by drama and jealousy, one of his tragic endings stands out. At one point in his history, Khun Pan was inseparable from Bua Kli, the child of a notorious gang boss. Bua Kli's father decided that Khun Pan's magic and fighting talents were a threat, and he convinced his daughter should poison her husband. Khun Pan took swift vengeance upon learning that his wife and her relatives had plotted his murder.
Sri Thanonchai
Despite Si Tha Non-Chai's humble origins, word of his wit and cunning quickly spread across the hamlet. These traits served him well throughout his life, helping him triumph over rivals and rise in the ranks. The remarkable intellect of Si Tha Non-Chai produced not only ridiculous and humorous but also tragic situations.
