The Thai Spirit House is a ritual practiced by many Thais. In Thailand the phenomenon of the Thai Spirit Houses goes back to the ancient days when the Thais were beginning their slow migration from the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam to all parts of the Southeast Asian region. Spirit Worship, or Animism, was a religion by which the entire world lived at one time, and when Buddhism came to Southeast Asia , it developed side by side with the ancient spirit religion. Today, many of the old animistic beliefs are intertwined with Buddhism and some animistic practices still exist in Thailand.
The Thai Spirit Houses are placed in prominent spots outside of Thai homes, in front of many business establishments throughout the country. We have seen them on pedestals in front of hotels, the corner garden areas of restaurants, in front of bars, and at outdoor food markets. They are built on the grounds of Buddhist temples, outside caves in the mountains, near Fishing ponds, and even in the middle of otherwise uninhabited areas.
There are countless gods and other celestial beings in Thai folklore. The primary spirits are called the Phra Bhum Jowthee, or Guardian Spirits of the Land. There are nine guardians and each offers a different type of protection.
The Guardian of the House and the Guardian of the Gardens are the two spirit houses most frequently exhibited. The Guardian of the House is the spirit that watches over and protects the home. It is uncertain whether there is one spirit that watches over all homes, or if individual spirits do this for each home. Thai families who believe wholeheartedly in the spirit house and it's importance, light incense every morning and ask the spirits to watch over and protect the home. Others do it on ritual occasions.
Most are more elaborate than the homes or establishments they are "protecting"; we have also seen some very modern spirit houses in front of new hotels and on the beaches.
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