The 12 mythical giants watch over Suvarnabhumi Airport
Travellers navigating the bustling halls of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport are greeted not just by modern terminal architecture, but by 12 towering, colour-splashed giants clad in golden armour.
Rooted in ancient Hindu and Buddhist mythology, these intimidating statues known as Yaks serve a sacred purpose: guarding the sprawling international hub and watching over the safe journeys of millions of passengers who pass through its gates every day.
Standing up to several meters tall, these 12 imposing statues are far more than mere architectural decoration. They are the Yaksha (known in Thai as Yak), mythological giant guardians deeply rooted in Hindu, Buddhist, and traditional Thai beliefs.
Walking Through the Ramakien
To understand why these fierce mythological beings keep watch over modern check-in counters and baggage drops, one must look back at Thailand’s national epic, the Ramakien, the Thai adaptation of the ancient Indian Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana.
The Ramakien is a sprawling tale of cosmic scale, detailing the grand war between the noble hero Phra Ram (Rama) and the ten-headed demon king, Tosakan (Ravana), who infamously sparked a war by abducting Phra Ram's wife, Sida (Sita).
The 12 statues stationed at Suvarnabhumi Airport are direct replicas of legendary figures found guarding the sacred gates of Bangkok’s iconic Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
Just as they have historically stood sentry outside Buddhist temples to ward off malevolent spirits, they are cast here in a modern sanctuary of travel to shield the airport and ensure safe, blessed journeys for passengers passing through.
Meet the Guardians
Each of the 12 statues represents a specific character from the epic, identifiable by their unique facial colours, postures, weapons, and complex mythologies. Walking the long row across the terminal is effectively a roll call of the Ramakien’s legendary cast:
Tosakan (ทศกัณฐ์): The green-faced, multi-headed demon king of Longka and the primary antagonist of the epic.
Sahatsadecha (สหัสเดชะ): The white-faced giant commanding vast forces.
Indrachit (อินทรชิต): Tosakan’s formidable son, famed for his mastery over magic and invisibility.
Maiyarap (ไมยราพ): The underworld-dwelling magician giant.
Suriyaphop (สุริยาภพ): A loyal commander wielding a weapon said to blaze like the sun.
Mangkhonkan (มังกรกัณฐ์): A warrior king joining the fray in the epic's later stages.
Chakkrawatti (จักรวรรดิ): A powerful neighbouring ruler drawn into the war.
Asakanmala (อัศกรรณมาลา): A fierce giant whose severed limbs miraculously regenerate.
Virunjambang (วิรุญจำบัง): Known for magical disguises, including shrinking down to a water insect.
Virulhok (วิรูฬหก): A commanding guardian king of the southern realms.
Tosakirithon (ทศคีรีธร) & Tosakirivan (ทศคีรีวัน): A striking pair of twin brothers distinct for their elephant-like snouts and differing body colors.
Bridging Ancient Heritage and Modern Travel
By placing these mythological protectors at one of Southeast Asia's busiest aviation hubs, Suvarnabhumi Airport seamlessly merges Thailand's deeply spiritual heritage with contemporary global travel.
Long before boarding a flight across continents, travellers crossing the terminal floor are wrapped in an age-old tradition of blessing and defence.
So, the next time you navigate the check-in queues at Bangkok, pause for a moment to look up at the fanged, formidable faces watching over the concourse, they just might be the ultimate frequent-flyer good luck charm.
