Story By: Maja Mishevksa, Sub Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

A mysterious termite mound resembling a boy has been found by villagers in the middle of the jungle.

The mound was discovered by villagers in the community of Ban Khok Klan in the Thai province of Surin on 26th January.

Witnesses are convinced it resembles Ai Khai, a spirit they said had guarded the grounds for hundreds of years and granted the wishes of visitors of a Thai temple called Wat Chedi Ai Khai.

Opinion regarding the discovery of the bizarre termite ‘statue’ is divided between locals. Some say the nest has coincidentally taken on the appearance of Ai Khai, while many others believe it was intentionally carved to resemble the adored spirit by a skilled local monk.

Ai Khai is a prankster boy spirit who gained a lot of fame in the past few years and as a result now has multiple temples dedicated to him across the country.

Locals believe the Ghost Boy is the deceased student and servant of a veteran monk who gave him the responsibility to protect the temple in the Ayutthaya period (1350 to 1767), which he took on and continued to do even after his death.

Many people have contributed their lottery winnings to Ai Khai. Others believe in its existence after experiencing business success or the recovery of lost or stolen items.

Those who have had their wishes granted traditionally set off firecrackers and donate offerings to the spirit such as rooster statues, military camouflage uniforms, black glasses, and slingshots.

Since recently gaining a lot of popularity, the Thai Ghost Boy reportedly brings around 300,000 visitors each month, which is of great significance for the local economy and tourism.

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