Spirit houses at Wat Hai Sok

Spirit houses at Wat Hai Sok

A group of spirit houses in front of the temples area.

The spirit world is everywhere in Thailand where animism and folk beliefs are deeply infused with Buddhism. They come in all shapes and sizes from the very small to the very large.

Call them an all-in-one home contents, theft, fire and flood alternate insurance policy if you will, these Thai spirit houses are a shrine to the protective spirit of a place and are positioned in an auspicious spot most often in the corner of a property, home or business. High enough to show respect, but low enough to enable daily offerings.

The house is intended to provide shelter to the spirits that could cause all manner of problems if not appeased. These little shrines often include images of people and animals. Votive offerings are left at the house on a daily basis to soothe the spirits.