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