Kru Kai Kaew (Thai: ครูกายแก้ว, also spelt Kru Guy Kaeo, Khru Kai Kaew) is a Thai deity worshipped for good luck and fortune in work and life. He is regarded by some as a god of wealth, while others see him as a figure of superstition that deviates from true Buddhist teachings due to his half-beast, half-demon nature.[1] [2]
The origins of Kru Kai Kaew remain unclear. It is claimed that he was a revered teacher of Khmer King Jayavarman VII, the builder of Bayon Temple, but there are no historical records mentioning Kru Kai Kaew. He was a great teacher of mystical arts who performed acts of merit with delusion, eventually becoming a demon-faced deity. He is depicted with black skin, two wings, golden fangs, and scarlet talons, glaring down menacingly.[3] Critics claimed that Kru Kai Kaew's appearance inspired fear rather than respect, making him look more like a malevolent entity than a benevolent deity.[4]
Another legend traces Kru Kai Kaew's origins to a Thai monk from Lamphang province who, during his meditation journey at Cambodia's Angkor Wat, claimed to have encountered Kru Kai Kaew's soul. The monk crafted a statue to depict this soul and gave it to his student, Thawil Milinthajinda, a Thai folk singer. Thawil then passed it on to his student, Suchat Rattanasuk, who, inspired by his imagination, shaped the deity's form. He was credited with creating the first statues of Kru Kai Kaew in Thailand. This form has been passed down through generations.[5] [6]
The origins of Kru Kai Kaew have been widely discussed and debated among historians and religious scholars.
Professor Thongtong Chandransu, a historian, has stated that the claim that Kru Kai Kaew was a teacher of King Jayavarman VII lacks valid historical evidence.
Komkrit Uitekkeng, professor at the Faculty of Philosophy at Silpakorn University, explained that while Thais have traditionally venerated guardian spirits, the worship of figures such as Mae Nak or Kru Kai Kaew is a more recent phenomenon, created from the personal beliefs of the late astrologer, Suchart Ratanasuk.[7]
According to renowned historian Thepmontri Limpaphayom, Kru Kai Kaew is merely an adoption of the gargoyles that adorn the gutters of European castles and ancient churches, and has no relation to an ancient Khmer king.[8]
According to Jaturong Chongasa, a scholar of Buddhism, Kru Kai Kaew is seen as a 'new cult' that is gaining popularity among worshippers. However, he notes that it has minimal connection to traditional Buddhist practices.[9]
Dr. Sinchai Chaowcharoenrat, a religious scholar, views this as a ‘fabrication’ designed to create a figure that adherents see as a "teacher of witchcraft". He argues that the deity's form, which includes elements such as a vampire from Western folklore, gargoyle wings, a figure resembling Satan, and a narrative blending Thai and Khmer elements, is intended to provoke societal discomfort.
Reports indicate that some followers of Kru Kai Kaew sought puppies and kittens for sacrificial ceremonies, aiming for luck and prosperity. The practice has become controversial as some followers believe sacrificing innocent lives could yield lucky lottery numbers.[10]
The worship of Kru Kai Kaew has extended beyond Thailand to Hong Kong, where the deity is revered as the god of wealth.
Namo Tassa Bhagavāto Arahato Sammā Sambuddhassa
Maha Kru Kai Kaew Metta Maha Raja Sappaseneha Mama Chittang Piyang Mama.
On 9 August 2023, a 5-meter-tall statue of Kru Kai Kaew was installed outside the four-star Bazaar Hotel in Bangkok. Its sudden appearance drew criticism from many citizens, triggering alarm and calls for its removal. Following its publicized invitation to be installed in front of the hotel, the Kru Kai Kaew sculpture became stuck under an overpass due to its height, causing heavy traffic jams on Ratchadapisek Road that day. Subsequent to the statue's installation, there was a surge in worship and requests for lottery numbers. A worshipper from Lampang reported winning 100,000 baht in the lottery on August 16, 2023, attributing her good fortune to her prayers to Kru Kai Kaew.[11]
A group called National Thai Citizens filed a complaint with the Bangkok governor, requesting the removal of the statue. Concerns were raised by the group that some worshippers could sacrifice pets to Kru Kai Kaew, though followers of Kru Kai Kaew denied the use of live animals in their rituals. The Council of Artists for the Promotion of Buddhism is calling for the removal of the image from public view, asserting that it promotes black magic and contradicts Buddhist principles. The council has also submitted a petition to the proprietor of Night Bazaar Hotel.
Following an investigation ordered by Bangkok authorities, it was discovered that the installation of the Kru Kai Kaew statue and other statues violated local laws. Consequently, on December 28, Kru Kai Kaew and the other statues were removed from the hotel's front. The hotel has paid a fine of 1.3 million baht.[12]