The Legend of Mae Nak Phra Khanong
Mae Nak Phra Khanong is one of Thailand’s most famous ghost legends, deeply embedded in Thai culture. It has been passed down for generations through folklore, movies, dramas, and religious beliefs.
The Origin of the Legend
The story is believed to have taken place during the reign of King Rama IV or King Rama V of the Rattanakosin era. It centers around a beautiful young woman named Nak, who lived by the Phra Khanong Canal in Bangkok. She was deeply in love with her husband, Mak, and the couple lived a happy life together. Eventually, Nak became pregnant.
However, before Nak could give birth, Mak was conscripted into military service and had to leave home. While he was away, Nak went into labor but faced serious complications. Due to the lack of medical advancements at the time, both she and her unborn child died during childbirth.
According to Thai folklore, a woman who dies while pregnant or during childbirth becomes a “ghost of a woman who died in pregnancy” (phi tai tang klom), one of the most powerful and fearsome types of spirits.
The Ghost of Mae Nak Appears
Despite her death, Nak’s spirit refused to leave. She remained at their home, longing for her husband and unwilling to accept her fate.
When Mak was finally discharged from military service and returned home, he was <strong
>unaware of Nak’s death. To him, everything seemed normal—Nak was there, waiting for him, and their house appeared just as he had left it. The ghost of Nak created an illusion so that Mak would not suspect anything.
Meanwhile, the villagers, who knew the truth, tried to warn Mak that his wife was no longer among the living, but he refused to believe them.
One day, while Nak was preparing food in the kitchen, she accidentally dropped a lime. As it rolled under the house, she unnaturally extended her arm through the floorboards to retrieve it. Mak saw this and realized the horrifying truth—his beloved wife was a ghost.
Terrified, he fled the house and sought refuge at the temple, as Buddhist temples were believed to be safe from spirits.
The Fate of Mae Nak
There are several versions of how Mae Nak was ultimately subdued. One of the most well-known versions states that the revered Buddhist monk, Somdej Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi), came to perform a ritual. He captured her spirit and sealed it inside a piece of her skull, which he turned into a sacred amulet. This act freed Mae Nak’s soul and stopped her from haunting the village.
In another version, Mae Nak begged for mercy, explaining that she only wished to be with her husband. She eventually realized that she and Mak could never be together and willingly departed for the afterlife in peace.
The Shrine of Mae Nak
Mae Nak’s shrine is now situated in the serene Wat Mahabut temple, which lies in Bangkok’s bustling Phra Khanong district. This shrine has garnered significant attention, with numerous visitors coming to pay their respects and seek blessings, particularly for matters of the heart and fortune. Moreover, some devotees hold the belief that Mae Nak bestows protection upon soldiers, akin to her shielding of her own spouse in the past.
Mae Nak’s Influence in Popular Culture
The story of Mae Nak Phra Khanong has been adapted into numerous films, TV series, and books. Some of the most famous adaptations include:
- “Nang Nak” (1999) – A critically acclaimed horror film starring Intira Jaroenpura.
- “Pee Mak Phra Khanong” (2013) – A comedic reimagining of the tale, which became Thailand’s highest-grossing film.
Even today, Mae Nak’s legend remains one of Thailand’s most enduring ghost stories, symbolizing love, longing, and the consequences of holding on to the past.