Everyone has the right to worship anything they believe sacred, and what they put their faith in says something about their nature as well.
Even though we live in a Buddhist country where images of Lord Buddha are everywhere, many people prefer to worship other deities and spirits and hope against hope that such beings grant wealth, health and good luck.
The latest addition on the block is Khru Kai Kaeo, a 4m-tall gargoyle-like black statue with red eyes and long red nails that was installed in front of a hotel in Bangkok two weeks ago and has attracted both worshippers and doubters.
In fact, Khru Kai Kaeo has been worshipped by a small group of people for years and his statues can be seen at several venues in the country.
Believed to be a half-deity and half-demon of fortune, Khru Kai Kaeo's vague story originates from a monk who was said to see a spirit while meditating at Angor Wat in Cambodia and he sculpted a tiny statue to represent the spirit.
He then gave it to a follower who later presented it to an expert in magic and occultism who, out of respect, decided to create a life-size version with uncommon features that he saw in his imagination. The result was a half-human, half-mythical bird sculpture with wings and golden fangs that he called Khru Kai Kaeo.
However, the newly-enshrined replica of Khru Kai Kaeo caused a stir and became the centre of attention, probably because of some unusual claims surrounding it and the negative sentiments from many people.
First, many historians and experts came out to dismiss the widespread rumour that Khru Kai Kaeo was a teacher of a Khmer king eight centuries ago. Some of them even called the spirit a demon, saying that he was unworthy of our respect.
Then, a group of animal lovers voiced their anger over messages posted on social media that suggested worshippers use pets as sacrifices to please the spirit. However, the advice was denounced by the successor of the expert who created the original odd-looking statue. He said that Khru Kai Kaeo didn't like animal flesh, but fruits.
Meanwhile, the director-general of the Department of Mental Health came out to publicly warn people to be mindful when practising their faith. She said that good faith should encourage us to think, do and speak good things and that any belief that unreasonably leads to a loss was simply blind faith. The warning came at a time when prices of Khru Kai Kaeo amulets were manipulated and skyrocketed.
Also joining the bandwagon to show disagreement with the worship of Khru Kai Kaeo was a group of Buddhists who called for the removal of the huge statue. They said that the scary-looking sculpture disturbed passers-by and promoted devil worship.
Now, the worship of Khru Kai Kaeo has become a new trend in society. But many believe that this name will fade away soon just like its predecessors -- Jatukam Ramathep was extremely popular in the mid-2000s, luk thep or angel children dolls became a craze seven years ago, and Ai Kai and Thao Wessuwan were widely worshipped in the past few years.
Personally, I have nothing against this new wave of faith. Rather, I couldn't help but feel amused seeing people pay their respects to what looks more like a villain in superhero fiction.
But my friend didn't feel the same. She is one of many people who don't hesitate to pray to any deity or spirit said to have the power to bring fortune. Only after what she asked for failed to come to fruition would she just stop and look for a new object of prayer.
Even though she didn't worship Khru Kai Kaeo because she was scared of the statue, she understood those who did. She said it was like a refuge that they hoped would make their lives better.
People have different ways to deal with difficulties in life and I feel for those who can't find a way out and turn to seek help from supernatural spirits. It's not wrong to do so but it shows the state of their mentality.
As a Buddhist, I think it's better to turn to the wise words of Buddha for guidance as they encourage us to rely on ourselves and believe in our potential to overcome any challenges we might face.
To be exact, Buddha wanted us to create an internal refuge that would eventually enable us to survive and flourish. His teachings don't offer a shortcut to wealth but, more importantly, a wisdom to see through the nature of life and an inspiration to go on a path that doesn't cause trouble to ourselves.
Whenever one can pay their respects to a Buddha statue with all their gratitude, I believe, they would no longer care to pray to any spirit.
Patcharawalai Sanyanusin is a writer for the Life section of the Bangkok Post.