06/01/2025
Today, we take you on a trip to visit Wat Ai Khai in Nakhon Si Thammarat. According to legend, Wat Ai Khai, also known as Wat Jedee, is an ancient temple in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, nearly a hundred years old. It became famous when the revered monk Luang Pu Thuat, a well-known Thai Buddhist master, settled at the temple. He learned that there were ancient treasures buried in the temple grounds, so he ordered a young boy, around 9 to 10 years old, named "Ai Khai" to guard the treasures to prevent thieves from stealing them.
Some versions of the legend say Ai Kai was already the spirit of a disciple of Luang Pu Thuat who was entrusted with guarding the treasures, while others say he was a boy who drowned at the temple, and Luang Pu Thuat gave him the task of guarding the temple’s treasures.
The name "Ai Khai" became widely known when a sorcerer named "Phuyai Tiang Muang In," a famous occultist of the time, had a vision of a naked boy who said, "I am Ai Kai, the boy of Wat Jedee." Since then, the name Ai Kai stuck, and people began to pray to him for blessings.
In the early days, the temple was known only by the local villagers, but its fame spread after a group of rangers came to stay at the temple. On the first night, the rangers couldn’t sleep due to a mischievous child running around, pulling their legs and hair. When the villagers told them the story of Ai Khai, the rangers lit incense and apologized, promising to rest there without disturbance. Afterward, they never saw the child again. This incident helped spread Ai Khai’s fame, and people began visiting the temple to ask for blessings.
The name "Ai Kai" was commonly used, but over time, he has also been referred to as "Taa Kai" (Grandfather Kai) or "Baw Kai" (Brother Kai) in Southern Thai dialect, symbolizing respect and affection for this beloved local figure.