The emergence of the ‘Ai Khai’ worship and the social revival in post-COVID-19 southern Thailand: the interplay between local folklore and sacred tourism

Abstract

AbstractThis article undertakes a critical analysis of the ascendancy of the Ai Khai (ไอ้ไข่) cult, a religious phenomenon involving youthful spirit believed to bestow wealth and fortune, located at Wat Chedi (วัดเจดีย์: Pagoda Temple) in modern Thai society. This spirit is deeply embedded in the religious mythologies of the Southern Thai region and have evolved into a cultural force that catalyzes economic shifts at both the local and regional levels, particularly during the economic stagnation induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a nuanced examination of Ai Khai narratives set against the backdrop of the Southern Thai region’s economic landscape, this study posits that the rise of the Ai Khai phenomenon is intricately linked to transformations in the capitalist economy of this geographical area. Additionally, this study explores the intertextual relationship between local folklore and canonical Buddhist narratives. By doing so, the Ai Khai narrative itself reveals a significant transformation: its evolution from a localized spectral entity to a trans-local guardian spirit. Consequently, Wat Chedi’s burgeoning prosperity has emerged as an unparalleled stimulant for local economic development under Post-COVID-19 situation. The article also discusses the possible way to keep the economic growth of the area following a sustainable development goal.

Keywords

• Ai Khai
• local folklore
• sacred tourism
• Nakhon Si Thammarat
• contemporary history of southern Thai economy
• Lincoln Geraghty