Jao Pho Mokkhala Shrine

Jao Pho Mokkhala (or Mokkhla) is said to be the older brother of Jao Pho Phawo. Phawo was a Karen warrior during the reign of King Taksin (1767-1782 CE). The latter appointed him as the head of the Mae Lamao custom house to prevent the enemy from reaching Tak. He fought the Burmese, who intruded through the Mae Lamao border pass. I presume Jao Pho Mokkhala can be attributed to the same background. While Jao Pho Phawo seems more revered in the Mae Sot - Mae Ramat area, Jao Pho Mokkhala is revered in the Mae Ramat - Tha Song Yang area. The Mae Ramat District and Tha Song Yang District are separated by a mountain named "Mo Kala". The Karen believe that Joa Pho Mokkhala resides on this mountain. The word "Mokkhala" comes from the word "Mo", meaning "magic", and "Kala", meaning tens of thousands who are powerful. Offering ceremonies to Jao Pho Mokkhala are still held by the local Karen population.

Ayutthaya Historical Research