Spirit House

Although the vast majority of Thais claim Buddhism as their religion, Thai culture is full of mysticism with stories of spirits and elements of Hindu legend and Animism interwoven into everyday life.  One of the most noticeable manifestation of this cultural aspect is in the Spirit House.  These “houses” are a shrine to the protective spirit of a place that are found all over Thailand and many other Southeast Asian countries.  Most houses and businesses, regardless of how small or how large have a Spirit House placed most often in a corner of the property. The spirit house is normally in the form of a miniature house or temple, and is mounted on a pillar. The house is intended to provide a shelter for spirits which could cause problems for the people if not appeased. Even the newest multi million pound 60+ story skyscraper in Bangkok will have a Spirit House out the front of it somewhere.

A Spirit House I walk past each day on the University campus.