T is for Thailand’s Many Mermaids

 

If you plan on visiting Thailand, be on the lookout for mermaids as they provide inspiration for Thai art and literature.

Mermaid and Aphai Mani statue on Ko Samet, Thailand

One of Thailand’s most beloved poets was Soonthorn Phu. He wrote Phra Aphai Mani, an epic poem about Prince Alphai Mani who sets off on an adventure that involves a magic flute, an ogress, and an escape with the aid of a mermaid whom he falls in love with.

 

Golden Mermaid Statue on Laem Samila beach in Songkhla, Thailand

The poem also includes the story of a mermaid who came ashore at night to comb her hair with a golden comb.  She was frightened by a fisherman, dropped her comb, and swam away. He was so enraptured by her that he waited every night for her to return. She never did.

 

Mermaid and child in Wat Chadi Hoi, Thailand

 Suvannamaccha is a mermaid princess written about in the Thai version of the Ramayana. When Lord Hanuman, the monkey king, tries to build a rock bridge, Suvannamaccha and the other mermaids work to thwart his plans until he woos her and she falls in love with him.

 

Where would you like to go to see mermaids?