Chao Pho Muen Ram: The Transformation of Thai Sanctity into a Chinese Deity

Abstract

This article aims to study the background, iconographic diversity and the process of how the Thai God, Chao Pho Muen Ram, became a Chinese deity. The study is based on a qualitative research method based on documentary research data, interpersonal communication, and fieldwork. The results of this study show that the ‘Muen Ram’ title was originally associated with the Buffalo Division under the supervision of Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Pichai Yad during the reign of King Rama IV. After the death of Chao Pho Muen Ram, local people at Ban Naroeng, Nong Khae district in Saraburi worshipped him like a god. One of his followers, Chaozhou, moved to Trang province, and began to spread the new faith to people of that area. Local Chinese inhabitants decided to build a shrine dedicated to Chao Pho Muen Ram worshipping under the Chaozhou Chinese name ‘Sam Huab Si’（三法师). The study revealed that ‘Sam Huab Si’ is actually the name of a god worshipped by the local Chinese in Trang that can also be traced to the Phra Phutthabat district in Saraburi, the mueang Surat Thani district in Surat Thani, the Hat Yai district in Songkhla, the mueang Yala district in Yala, and the mueang Trang district in Trang. The ‘Sam Huab Si’ tradition has its origins in the legend of three Gods – Dua Huab Si（大法师）or Chao Pho Khao Yai, Yee Huab Si（二法师）or Chao Pho Khao Tok and Sam Huab Si（三法师）or Chao Pho Muen Ram – joined together in a blood brotherhood. It is also related to the origin of Sam Sua Kok Uang（三山国王),or the Kings of Three Mountains in Jiexi County, Guangdong province, China. Therefore Chao Pho Muen Ram is worshipped by many Sino-Thai believers today.