The Spirit House Cemeteries of  Thailand 

In Thai culture, it’s believed spirits are omnipresent, residing in various elements such as trees, plants, boats, the earth, and every home has a ghost or spirit residing within its grounds. While Buddhism is the predominant religion, the belief system in Thailand is also influenced by animism, Hinduism, Taoism, and various superstitions. It is common for homeowners and office proprietors to have a “spirit house,” a small structure often constructed in the shape of a small house or occasionally resembling a castle featuring intricate designs, situated in their front or back gardens, or outside businesses. Spirit houses are traditionally constructed from wood; However, larger and more elaborate shrines are commonly found outside shopping malls and government buildings, while typical households may choose simpler designs. The cost of these spirit houses varies significantly, ranging from a few thousand baht for basic models to over 30,000 baht for more resplendent versions. Before installing a new spirit house, 

The smaller spirit houses are usually elevated on a single wooden pole or four wooden legs. The larger structures that you see outside malls and government buildings are elevated on a stone or marble pedestal. The primary function of these spirit houses is to safeguard the real residences and office spaces from misfortune and to honor the spirits and give them somewhere to reside so that they don’t haunt the residence. Owners often place various offerings—such as figurines, soft drinks, food, flowers, garlands, fruits, and dolls—within these spirit houses to attract and appease the spirits. It is believed that if the spirits accept these offerings, they will provide protection to the home or building.

Before installing a spirit house, it is customary to consult astrological charts to identify a favorable date and time. Additionally, there are specific guidelines that individuals may follow. Some people may also seek advice from a monk or fortune-teller prior to establishing the shrine. In instances where the shrine is dedicated to a Brahma god or any Hindu deity, the involvement of a Brahmin priest is necessary to perform the placement ceremony. Numerous people in Thailand express their respect for spirit houses, frequently making a wai gesture as they walk by to recognize the existence of spirits or deities.

Spirit houses hold significant cultural value in Thailand; however, when a residence or structure is torn down for new construction, or when a spirit house deteriorates due to prolonged exposure to the elements, it is common for the owner to dispose of the spirit house. Nevertheless, some individuals, feeling uneasy about discarding their spirit house, opt to place it outside beneath a tree on their own property, allowing nature to take its course. Many Thais believe that a spirit house, once acquired, should not be treated as mere waste. It is not uncommon for Thais to leave their old spirit houses under sacred fig trees, which are imbued with spiritual importance in Thai culture. The Sacred Fig, often referred to as the “Bo” tree in Thailand, is the tree where Buddha attained enlightenment (Bodhi). It is said that Buddha remarked, “to worship the tree is the same as you worship me.” These trees are frequently adorned with vibrant ribbons, and religious and spiritual figurines, along with old spirit houses placed at their base. Similar to their treatment of spirit houses, many individuals will perform a Wai gesture when passing a Sacred Fig tree on foot, while motorists and motorcyclists show their respect for the spirits by honking their horns as they drive by. For the Thai people, the Sacred Fig tree symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and longevity.

Many Thais dispose of spirit houses by leaving them under a public tree at the side of the road or in open fields or woodlands. This creates a spirit house dumping ground or “spirit house cemetery.” These sites are found scattered around Thailand and attract dark tourism and paranormal enthusiasts due to rumors of hauntings. However some locals have made numerous complaints to the authorities as locals see these dumping grounds as intolerable eyesores. However, people still continue to abandon their burden of the unwanted spirit houses along with spirits that supposedly reside inside them.

To properly dispose of a Thai spirit house, it is advisable to seek guidance from a local monk or an individual well-versed in Thai customs. This process usually entails conducting a farewell prayer, offering incense, and relocating the spirit to a new site, such as a nearby temple or a natural setting that accommodates a spirit house. It is crucial to approach this procedure with reverence to prevent disturbing the spirit and to facilitate a seamless transition.

Some people believe that if you disturb an abandoned spirit house without saying sorry or leaving an offering, the spirit will follow them home.