The Legend of the Haunted Cloister House at Wat Lai: Unveiling the Fierce Ghost and its 86-Year Haunting

Legend of the Fierce Ghost Haunting Wat Lai’s Cloister House for Over 86 Years

For more than 86 years, the legend of the fierce ghost haunting the cloister house of Wat Lai has been circulating, with reports of sightings even in broad daylight. Novices have not been spared from these encounters.

The reporter visited Wat Lai in Village No. 3, Thung Luang Subdistrict, Khiri Mas District, Sukhothai Province, to meet with Phrakru Withanthamprasit, the abbot of Wat Lai and the Nong Chik Subdistrict Dean, to investigate the origins of these rumors. Provost Withan Thammaprasit, the abbot of Wat Lai, revealed that the cloister house, known as Ruean Phae’s cubicle, was originally a raft house brought to Luang Pu Tuan (Vajasit), the first abbot of Wat Lai, in 1937. The raft house belonged to a wealthy couple from Ban Chom Sang, Sukhothai Province, who were tragically killed by thieves during a robbery. Their descendants then donated the raft house to Luang Pu Tuan to be used as a monk’s residence.

The haunting of the “fierce ghost raft house of Wat Lai” has been reported since 1937 when the raft house was first brought to the temple. Many monks and villagers have confirmed their own experiences with the ghost. It is said that the ghost targets monks and novices who do not adhere to proper behavior, such as laziness in prayer and recitation. The encounters include being knocked on the head, having their legs pulled, feeling pressure on their chests, and witnessing the ghost sitting and dangling its legs in front of the house. Some have even claimed to see the ghost jumping from the bell tower and extinguishing lamps with its long, deceptive hair. Monks have reported hearing muffled noises in their rooms and, upon investigation, have been shocked to see a ghost with big red eyes staring back at them.

The latest reports reveal that the haunting has extended to broad daylight. A builder renovating the drum tower and Luang Pu Tuan’s parsonage witnessed a ghost sitting on its legs, facing its face, on the 100-year-old dormitory of Wat Lai.

However, Wat Lai, located in Ban Thung Luang, Khiri Mat District, Sukhothai Province, was originally an abandoned temple. Evidence of antiquities suggests that the ubosot altar, old chedi, and 2 sema leaves were built 681 years ago in 1885. The first abbot of Wat Lai began the restoration process and received Wisungkhamsima on September 27, 1938. The temple now houses important structures such as the sermon hall, Phra Buddhasima Chaisit, Phra Phuttha Si Sanphet Khiri Masathit, Wihan, Sa Ho Trai, over 900 Dong Tan trees, and a drum tower and prayer hall over 100 years old, which have been restored and preserved by the Fine Arts Department.

Currently, the temple has completed the renovation of the drum tower, Hor Chan, and Reverend Grandfather Tuan’s cubicle, as well as a houseboat. These structures are ready to be opened to the public for visits. Visitors can explore the local history from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and monks and novices are encouraged to use the facilities for studying Dharma. Those interested can visit and learn at Wat Lai in Ban Thung Luang, Khiri Mat District, Sukhothai Province.

The legend of the fierce ghost haunting Wat Lai’s cloister house continues to captivate locals and visitors alike, adding to the rich history and mystique of the temple.

How do the ongoing reports of hauntings at Wat Lai’s raft house challenge traditional beliefs about ghosts?

Essing the apparition of a terrifying figure.

Over the years, numerous eyewitness accounts have emerged, solidifying the legend’s credibility. These sightings occur not only at night but also during the day, defying the traditional beliefs that ghosts only emerge in the darkness. It appears that this particular ghost is not bound by such limitations.

According to Phrakru Withanthamprasit, the abbot of Wat Lai, the ghost’s origins can be traced back to the tragic deaths of the couple who owned the raft house. This untimely demise seems to have left behind some unresolved energies, which manifested as a fierce and vengeful spirit. The donation of the raft house to the temple may have unintentionally trapped the ghost within its walls, leading to the ongoing haunting for the past 86 years.

The ghost’s primary targets seem to be the monks and novices who do not adhere to the proper behavior expected in a religious setting. Laziness in prayer and recitation appears particularly irksome to the ghost, resulting in a series of frightening encounters for those who fail to meet its expectations. From being physically assaulted to experiencing a heavy weight on their chests, these encounters have left monks and novices shaken and frightened.

Despite the ongoing reports of hauntings, the abbot assures that efforts have been made to appease the vengeful spirit. Frequent prayers and rituals are performed by the temple’s residents, aimed at calming the ghost and resolving the underlying energies that fuel its rage. However, it seems that the spirit continues to demand proper behavior and respect from those who reside within the raft house.

The legend of the fierce ghost haunting Wat Lai’s cloister house has captivated the local community for decades. The ongoing reports of sightings and encounters serve as a reminder of the significance and power of belief in the supernatural. While skeptics may dismiss these accounts as mere ghost stories, for those who have experienced the ghost’s wrath firsthand, the legend remains a haunting truth that cannot be easily forgotten.