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You are here: Home / Culture & Etiquette / Yaksha – the Guardian Giants

Yaksha – the Guardian Giants

Roy Cavanagh · June 3, 2013 ·

If you’ve ever travelled via Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport, you’ve probably seen at least one of these imposing figures with their fangs, painted faces and bulging eyes. Known in Buddhist mythology as yaksha, they are guardian warriors who keep away evil spirits and can be seen at a number of temples in Thailand. The figures on display at Bangkok airport are replicas of the famous yaksha at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo). In Thai, the figures are often simply referred to as yak (giant) and Thai children become familiar with these male and female giants from an early age. In the same way that children from English speaking countries may learn from picture cards that ‘a is for apple’ or ‘d is for dog’, Thai youngsters are taught that the consonant ‘yau’ is for yak.

Yaksha giant at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airportYaksha at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport

Yaksha guardian warriors at Wat Phra Kaeo, BangkokYaksha guardian warriors at Wat Phra Kaeo, Bangkok

Wat Lop Mali, Chiang MaiWat Lop Mali, Chiang Mai

Yakshas at the entrance to Doi Suthep temple, Chiang MaiYakshas at the entrance to Doi Suthep temple, Chiang Mai

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Welcome to Thaizer. My name is Roy Cavanagh and over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to just about every province in Thailand. Thaizer.com is where I share my knowledge and travel experiences with you to help you get the most out of your trip to Thailand.

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