Spirit Houses

Spirit houses are every where though out Thailand, Burma, Laos, and Cambodia.  In Thai they are called san phra phum ศาลพระภูมิ.  Even the tallest skyscrapers in Bangkok will have a spirit house in a prominent place on the lot. They are houses for the many ghosts and spirits which Thai people believe in. These spirits may cause problems if not appeased. Old spirit houses are often left at the sides of the road in front of forests or rubber and banana plantations. Alot of ricefields also will have one.

First thing in the morning finds most Thai homes and businesses lighting incense and putting offerings at the spirit house. Offerings include water, food, fruits, and even toys. The belief in ghosts and spirits in Thailand isn't very Buddhist in nature, but is akin to Christianity absorbing pagen rituals and ideas. Thais have a whole list of ghosts and even name them. Some are benevolent and some are very nasty. The spirit house in the photograph is in the yard of a very old, lanna style wooden house in Chiang Rai.