When mentioning the name "Lablai City" in Uttaradit province most Thais commonly think of the mysterious widow's town hidden in mist and valleys, a land where the "Curse of Lablai City" is said to exist, along with the famous strict rule that "lying is forbidden." Anyone violating this moral rule is immediately expelled from the town.
Lablai District is an ancient town located in a mountain hollow, surrounded by complex mountain ranges and lush forests. In the past, when the sun shone, the area would fill with mist and the shade of large trees, making it hard for outsiders to see inside and easy to get lost. This is where the term "Lablai" comes from, meaning "hidden from sight."
The principle of forbidding lies serves as a moral lesson embedding honesty and adherence to the Five Precepts into community life, helping people live together peacefully and build mutual trust.
The folk tale says “Lablai City” is a widow’s town hidden amidst a complex landscape. Only women live there, all leading virtuous lives, upholding morality and truthfulness.
One day, a man from Thung district lost his way in the forest and discovered Lablai City. He fell in love with a local woman, who invited him to live as husband and wife under the important condition that he never lie. He agreed and promised to keep this vow. They loved each other and had a child.
Later, while the wife went out to gather vegetables and firewood, their crying baby was hungry. The father comforted the child by saying, "Mom is back," which was a lie meant to stop the crying. When the wife learned this, she had to ask her husband to leave Lablai City for breaking his promise and not keeping the truth.
Before parting, the wife gave her husband a bag, warning him not to open it on the way. But the man did not trust her and opened the bag, finding only turmeric roots inside. He threw most of the turmeric away, keeping just one piece to take home.
Upon reaching home, he discovered the remaining turmeric had turned into gold. However, when he tried to find the discarded turmeric and the way back to Lablai City, neither the turmeric nor the path could be found again.
. . . "Lablai" is a name reflecting the mysterious and complex geography, covered by mountains and forests, making it difficult for outsiders to enter. Additionally, historically, the locals avoided contact with outsiders. Due to this geography and lifestyle, the area earned the name “Lablai.”