Local residents, together with lecturers and students from the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL), joined in a merit-making ceremony to pay respects to the sacred forces believed to inhabit the Tarn Nam Wiang Jed Lin (the sacred spring of Wiang Jed Lin). This spring is located in the heart of Wiang Jed Lin, a prehistoric Lanna city situated at the base of Doi Suthep, within the grounds of the Department of Livestock Development’s government compound in Chang Phueak.
The ritual involved a Lanna-style spirit-feeding ceremony, offering traditional foods to the spirits. Monks were invited to perform a chanting ceremony, invoking Phra Ya Pla Chon (the Lord Snakehead Fish), to pray for seasonal rainfall and bring blessings upon the local people, lecturers, and students of RMUTL. The ceremony concluded with the sprinkling of holy water.
Saknarin Chawangiew, from RMUTL’s Centre for Cultural Studies, explained that this ritual is known as Lian Phi Khun Nam — a ceremony to honour and offer respect to the guardian deities believed to protect the ancient sacred spring in the centre of Wiang Jed Lin. The tradition had been lost for many decades and has now been revived to restore auspiciousness to the area and promote unity among the people of Chiang Mai and the nation as a whole.
The sacred spring of Wiang Jed Lin is considered a highly revered water source, historically used in royal coronation rites and important national ceremonies. This merit-making ceremony not only serves to unite those living in the Wiang Jed Lin area but is also seen as an opportunity to send blessings and spiritual strength to Thai soldiers stationed at the Cambodian border. Amid the current tensions, the hope is to offer encouragement and reinforce their strength as they safeguard the nation’s sovereignty. It is believed that the spirit’s blessings can be sent to counter the powers of Khmer black magic and keep our soldiers safe.
