HTCYH Ch 19

Chapter 19: Kuman Thong (In-Depth Introduction)

Through Ke Xian’s investigation, Tu Si and Wuming finally located a temple where one could invite a Kuman Thong. This temple lacked the gilded splendor of the Reclining Buddha Temple, but its full wooden architecture, vivid wood carvings, and exquisite craftsmanship were striking. The fierce, blue-faced Vajra Bodhisattva glaring down at visitors compelled people to unconsciously straighten their posture.

Wuming, living up to his reputation as a worldly “human spirit,” handled Thai with ease, chattering animatedly with the abbot. The rising and falling intonation of his foreign words sounded strange yet comical, making Tu Si struggle to suppress his laughter. But being in a temple, he dared not laugh out loud—only lowered his head, shoulders trembling as he stifled giggles.

Whenever his shaking grew too noticeable, Wuming would subtly pinch the back of Tu Si’s neck, signaling him to behave. But the effect was minimal at best.

It wasn’t until the abbot led them to view the Kuman Thong statue that Tu Si finally quieted down. The reddish-brown child effigy stared at him with hollow, round eyes, sending chills down his spine. Its body was covered in gold leaf, as if draped in a golden kasaya—resplendent yet eerie.

The abbot explained everything earnestly, but Tu Si understood nothing. Having spent some time in Northern Myanmar, he knew a bit of the local dialect, but though Thai and Northern Burmese sounded similar in tone, their meanings were entirely different. Unwilling to stare at the unsettling child statue, Tu Si turned his head, examining the surroundings instead.

After some time, the abbot left, leaving only Wuming and Tu Si behind. Wuming glanced at the Kuman Thong and began to explain:

“Kuman Thong is one of Thailand’s early Buddhist effigies. Worshiping a Kuman Thong primarily brings good fortune. In Thai, Kuman refers to a young boy, while a girl would be called Kumari. The word Thong in Thai means gold, symbolizing preciousness.”

Tu Si blinked, then asked,

“So… Kuman Thong counts as orthodox Buddhism?”

Wuming nodded and continued:

“Originally, Kuman Thong did not belong to orthodox Buddhist practices but was part of Saiyasart—a form of magic or sorcery. However, because this magic transformed vengeful spirits of the dead into benevolent child spirits—preserving the fundamentally good nature of humanity—it was later absorbed into orthodox Buddhist rituals.

Kuman Thong originates from children who died in the womb and failed to be reborn, thus forming wandering souls. Monks devised ways to help them perform good deeds and accumulate merit, combining sorcery with Buddhist teachings so these spirits could eventually reincarnate.”

After finishing, Wuming clasped his hands toward the statue, bowed, and added:

“There’s another kind of Kuman Thong created purely through sorcery—never sanctified by proper Buddhist rituals and even containing female corpse oil. Such ‘yin Kuman Thong’ may offer protection and luck but often bring severe harm to their owners. Hence the distinction between orthodox Kuman Thong and yin Kuman Thong.”

Hearing this, Tu Si felt less repulsed by the statue before him and solemnly bowed in prayer.

“So, an orthodox Kuman Thong is basically like a high monk’s preserved body, right?”

Wuming replied,

“Not exactly—but for those unfamiliar with Buddhism, that’s a passable comparison. Come on, let’s head back. We’ve learned enough about orthodox Kuman Thong. Time to hear the ghost stories the others dug up.”

After a pause, Tu Si remarked,

“Honestly, Ke Xian could’ve found all this online. This on-site investigation is just a taxpayer-funded vacation, isn’t it?”

Wuming chuckled.

“And what’s wrong with resting? It’s a year-round job—996 hours, no overtime pay. What’s wrong with sneaking in some downtime? Besides, we did do serious fieldwork. If we don’t give Ailin and the others some perks, their resentment might birth an evil sword immortal. Want to hear the origin story of Kuman Thong?”

Tu Si nodded.

“What origin?”

Wuming began narrating:

“Kuman Thong originates from the legend of General Khun Paen in Thailand.

According to ancient tales, Khun Paen was strikingly handsome and highly attractive to women. He had studied numerous mystical arts under the famous master Ajarn Khong, and thanks to these skills, he was invincible in every battle—never once defeated.

His magic made him impervious to enemies, allowed him to transform his body into different forms, lull others into slumber, and even turn a bundle of grass into unbeatable warriors.

Khun Paen also practiced love magic to attract women, so he had many romantic partners and several wives.

Unfortunately, Khun Paen was ordered to wage war against his second wife’s homeland. Knowing his undefeated record meant her country would surely fall, the wife prepared a pot of soup and secretly poisoned it to kill him. But Khun Paen, ever vigilant, discovered the poison and, in a rage, killed her.

At the time, she was pregnant. Overcome with guilt, Khun Paen cut open her womb, removed the child, and—combining Buddhist and magical rites—roasted the infant’s body until it dried into a small corpse effigy.

He carried it with him thereafter. This was Thailand’s earliest Kuman Thong.”

“Because Khun Paen possessed great magical power, he could communicate with the child spirit. Legends say he always won at gambling thanks to the child’s help. After obtaining the Kuman Thong, Khun Paen became unstoppable in every battle, repeatedly escaping death. Thus, in Thailand, Kuman Thong is believed to bring wealth, ward off disasters, and shield its owner from harm.”

Tu Si muttered after a moment of silence,

“I think I’ve seen this General Khun Paen’s amulet before—a genuine one, too.”

Wuming grinned.

“Exactly! Khun Paen amulets—commonly called human-relations or matchmaking Buddha charms—are believed to protect the wearer, ward off danger, repel evil, improve relationships, and attract romantic interest. They’re even said to enhance gambling luck.”

Hearing this, Tu Si immediately turned to head back into the temple, but Wuming grabbed him.

“Where are you going?”

“To get a Khun Paen amulet! He’s basically the father of Kuman Thong, right? If I bring it into the game, wouldn’t it suppress Kuman Thong?”

Wuming paused for a moment, then asked:

“Do you know why Li Jing always carried a pagoda?”

The sudden shift in topic left Tu Si baffled.

“Because… he’s Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li?”

Wuming smirked mischievously.

“To keep Nezha in check.”

Tu Si froze. True enough—in Asian cultures, parent-child relationships were among the closest and most hierarchical. No wonder he’d instinctively thought fathers could restrain sons. Wuming’s story had completely led him astray.

But considering Khun Paen killed the mother, cut open the womb, roasted the infant, and commanded it at will, this only proved Khun Paen’s overwhelming power. If the Kuman Thong could resist, it would probably have turned Khun Paen into a mummified monk already. Carrying a Khun Paen amulet might just make him the prime target.

Seeing Tu Si catch on, Wuming teased further:

“If you really want a Khun Paen amulet to draw aggro and tank in the dungeon, I’ll go get you the prettiest one.”

Tu Si forced a dry laugh, lips twitching.

“No, no—I’m bad at tanking. If I lose aggro and wipe the party, that’d be awkward.”

Footnote

Saiyasart (ไสยศาสตร์): Thai occult or magical practices, often syncretized with Buddhism in folk rituals.

Kuman Thong (กุมารทอง): Literally “Golden Boy,” child spirit effigies believed to protect and bring fortune. Historically connected to Khun Paen legends.

Khun Paen Amulet (ขุนแผน): A famous Thai amulet associated with love, charm, and protection, stemming from the legendary general Khun Paen.

Li Jing & Nezha: Figures from Chinese mythology; Li Jing (Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King) subdued his rebellious son Nezha using a magical pagoda.