About amulets and spirit houses, Thai superstitions
The belief in supernatural powers and evil spirits ensures that a Thai believes that the spirits must be kept happy. If they do not, these evil spirits can cause disaster such as illness and accidents. Thais protect themselves against evil spirits with spirit houses, amulets and medallions.
Discover the spiritual heart of Thailand: a free e-book guides you to 60 special places
Widely known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, Thailand now invites travelers to take a deeper dive into its spiritual roots. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presents a unique e-book that guides readers through 60 spiritual sites, from sacred caves to city pillars. This guide unlocks the hidden spiritual wealth of the country.
Bizarre image (Khru Kai Kaeo) at a hotel in Bangkok causes controversy and fear among residents
In Bangkok, the giant statue of Khru Kai Kaeo is under discussion. Placed in the grounds of The Bazaar Hotel, this diabolical sculpture evokes mixed reactions. While some visit the statue for blessings and offerings, others experience fear and anxiety from its presence. Civic groups and artists have taken action, both out of religious considerations and out of concern for the welfare of animals, which are seen as sacrifices in a growing trend.
The uncertainty of Thai existence…
Just like us, Thais also struggle with life questions and important choices they have to make. In such situations, the white noses usually discuss it with family or a close friend. Thai consult fortune tellers, map readers or an old monk.
Superstitions in Thailand
In certain parts of Thailand (North and Northeast), Animism plays a more important role than Buddhism. Superstitions can sometimes take on strange forms, as this list of examples shows.
It's almost an obsession: Looking for lucky numbers
Twenty million Thais play in an illegal lottery twice a month. They consult spirits, such as Mae Nak, or visit the 'Tree of the 100 Corpses'. This is how you give luck a helping hand.
Kuman Thong – The legend of Khun Chang Khun Phaen
It is clear that superstition plays an important role in Thai culture. Just look at the many ghost houses. Animism, the belief in ghosts, goes quite far. Thai believe in good spirits that protect you and can bring you good luck, but the fear of evil spirits is much greater. A good spirit is the spirit of an unborn child: Kuman Tong.
10 questions and answers about ghosts and superstitions
What should you do if your dog starts whining at 2 a.m.? What's the easiest way to see a ghost? For some/most/all Thais, these questions shouldn't be too hard, but readers of Thailandblog will have more trouble with them. In this posting 10 questions about Thai ghosts and supernatural beliefs.
The four different types of ghost houses in Thailand
This article is about the 4 different types of ghost houses. The most common are the 'San Jao Tii' and 'San Pra Phoom', which also occur in combination.
The “Naga” fireballs
Towards the end of Vassa, the annual Buddhist celebration of the end of the rainy season, a mysterious phenomenon occurs on the mighty Mekong River in Nong Khai province.
'The genie is out of the bottle'
Animism and superstition are intertwined with Thai society. Even more so in the countryside. Whoever turns on the TV in Thailand, invariably sees the images of programs where Thais speak who have had an experience with ghosts. The entire story is reenacted on TV. It makes us laugh, for the Thai it is an extremely serious matter
A look into the crystal ball
Is it superstition, fear or just curiosity that haunts the minds of many a Thai? Reading hands and maps, predicting the future or just asking for advice, it's all the most normal thing in the world in the land of smiles
Caves are seductive, dangerous and mythical places
Caves are sacred places in Thailand where Buddhist, animistic and Hindu elements also play a major role. Any visitor to caves in Thailand will undoubtedly have noticed that they are often places where the Buddha is worshiped together with spirits, demons and giants.
Ghosts; is faith fading?
Years ago I often visited Ban Tam, a hamlet near Chang Dao, about eighty kilometers north of Chiangmai. Ban Tam is known for its truly beautiful caves which are perhaps the most beautiful in Thailand and when darkness falls, the beautiful starry sky will melt your heart.
Ghost houses in Thailand
Everywhere you come across these houses in Thailand, built in different sizes. But what is it actually about? Before Buddhism, there was animism (belief in spirits) that could be found almost everywhere and had an influence on life. However, when Buddhism spread to Southeast Asia, animism mixed with Buddhism and this is reflected in the spirit houses, among other things.
Ghosts in Isan
The Inquisitor comes into contact with spirits in Isan. Because not only Buddhism is influential on daily life, there is also a lot of animism.
Non-Buddhist expressions in Thai temples under discussion
Recently, rumors have been circulating that the objects in temples that have nothing to do with Buddhism should be removed.