Divine Biographies of the Goddesses “Tian Hou Deng Mai”, “Dui Buai Deng Niang” and “Jia Dun Deng Niang” Venerated as “Chao Mae Tuptim” by the Chinese Community in Thai Society

Abstract

This article aims to study the divine biographies and legends of three goddesses Tian Hou Deng Mai, Dui Buai Deng Niang, and Jia Dun Deng Niang—venerated by the Chinese community in Thai society. This study employed a qualitative methodology, using content analysis of local belief systems and textual sources related to the divine historiography of the Goddess Tubtim in both Chinese and Thai cultural contexts. The findings indicate that “Chao Mae Tuptim” is the Thai designation for these revered female deities, whose origins lie in local Chinese folk beliefs. Upon migration to Thailand, these beliefs merged with those of the Hokkien and Teochew Chinese, as well as with indigenous Thai traditions. This syncretism led to the collective worship of multiple goddesses under a single name. Consequently, the veneration of Chao Mae Tuptim in Thai society reflects an inevitable cultural convergence between Chinese and Thai traditions.