Spirit Houses in Bangkok – The Depth of the Diverse Beliefs of the Thai Culture

In this largely Buddhist country, you will find aangels for the land. These types of structures are
countless number of spirit houses or worshipreminiscent of a typical Thai Buddhist temple that
shrines located at every possible place in the citystands on top of a mounting of any kind. Many of
of Bangkok. As you stroll through the busythese spirit houses are made of different types
streets, it is easy to notice in the midst of theof materials such as wood, glass and concrete
vendors and shops, the sudden appearance of aamid other materials, and primarily holds a figure
small spirit house. This is a deep reflection of theof a guardian angel.
superstitious Thai culture that not only believes inAnother popular type of spirit houses, are the
Buddhism, but has their faith intertwined with thatSan Phra Brahm which is believed to be the shrine
of Hinduism and Animism. Thai people beliefsof a Hindu god known as Phra Brahma. These
proceed on to include faith in land gods, ghosts,structures are located usually near major offices
local spirits and legendary water snakes, and theirand homes, and crowds of people flock in to pay
influence to bring luck and blessings on their dailytheir respect to this Hindu idol. A popular spirit
lives. At many of these different spirit houses, ithouse of this kind is the Erawan shrine.
is common to see people offer up garlands,A more simple and temporary form of spirit
flowers and incense sticks.houses are those which are set up at construction
There are 4 types of spirit houses commonlysites with the hope that this abode would bring
found in Bangkok. If you see a wooden type ofgood luck and personal safety to the people at
structure that is held by 4 pillars, it is the San Jaowork.
Tii type of spirit house that is supposed to houseTourists looking to explore Bangkok’s diverse
the lord spirits of the land. The name meansculture and visit the city’s attractions from a
“Abode for the Land Lord of the Place”.Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel, can stay at the
Influenced by the animistic faith, these housesBangkok Grand President complex. This classy and
usually contain figures of a male and a femalecomfortable apartment complex offers luxurious
accompanied by figurines of offerings.Bangkok serviced apartments which make for an
The San Pra Phoom spirit houses which whenideal base for exploration due to its central
translated reads “Abode of the Land'slocation.
Guardian Angel” is believed to house guardian