37 Mysterious Glass Beads Found on Ancient Buddha in Chiang Mai

A stir has arisen after 37 mysterious glass beads were discovered on an ancient reclining Buddha at Wat Phra Chao Tho in Muang Hod, Chiang Mai. The abbot suspects they may be "Kaew Sadet" or "Kaew Saeng Yot Chat" from Lanna legend and plans to coordinate with the Fine Arts Department for verification, while locals have flocked to the site seeking lucky numbers.

On October 25, 2026, reporters revealed that 37 mysterious glass beads were found on the base of the ancient reclining Buddha inside Wat Phra Chao Tho, Muang Hod District, Hod Subdistrict, Chiang Mai Province. The discovery occurred after novice monks cleaned the area and found clear, round beads with soil stains attached, raising questions about their origin. The abbot speculated they might relate to the Lanna beliefs surrounding "Kaew Sadet" or "Kaew Saeng Yot Chat," but emphasized that expert examination is needed to confirm the facts.

Reporters visited Wat Phra Chao Tho and learned that on October 23, a novice monk cleaning the ancient reclining Buddha initially found 31 clear, round beads. Upon re-examining the same spot, six more were discovered, totaling 37. This has sparked speculation about whether these beads are ancient artifacts buried beneath the soil.

The abbot disclosed that monks and novices clean the reclining Buddha daily but had never encountered such beads until this morning, when a novice reported finding 31 beads, followed by six more in the same area. Preliminary observation shows the beads are clear, varying in size, with soil stains, differing from ordinary glass beads in the finders' perception, leading to suspicions they may be ancient objects or linked to Lanna beliefs about sacred glass.

The abbot personally noted the beads might be "Kaew Sadet" or "Kaew Saeng Yod Chat" according to ancient beliefs, but cannot confirm the type. He will coordinate with relevant agencies, especially the Fine Arts Department, to examine the objects' characteristics, age, and origin in detail.

"Kaew Sadet" or "Kaew Saeng Yot Chat" are names appearing in Lanna local beliefs and folklore, associated with glass or spherical objects that may have adorned chedi spires or been placed inside ancient relic chambers at old and abandoned temples. Some areas attribute sacred properties to them, believing they are royal regalia protected by supernatural forces.

Additionally, at many archaeological sites in the North, glass objects, beads, and items made of stone or minerals have been found, which may relate to the livelihoods, religion, and rituals of ancient peoples.

However, determining whether these 37 beads are ancient artifacts, chedi ornaments, or objects tied to the Kaew Sadet legend requires archaeological and material science verification.

This discovery has become a topic of interest for locals in the Muang Hod area, especially as it occurred at an ancient reclining Buddha in an old temple, which may hold historical stories awaiting further study.

All 37 beads are currently awaiting expert examination, so it cannot yet be concluded whether they are ancient artifacts of a certain age or connected to the Lanna legend of Kaew Sadet. Official verification results are pending.