BOOK REVIEW
The world of worship, wealth and wonders
A new guide to the cut-and-paste postmodern reality of popular religious practice in Thailand
- Published: 3 Dec 2012 at 00.00
- Newspaper section: Life
This book is about everyday belief and practice in contemporary Thailand. It begins with a telling image. At the top of the spirit altar is always a small figure of the Buddha. On the next level down may be statues of famous monks from the past, such as Somdet To, along with Siamese kings, particularly King Chulalongkorn.
Mediums, Monks, & Amulets: Thai Popular Buddhism Today by Pattana Kitiarsa Silkworm Books, Chiang Mai, ISBN 978-616-215-049-4 595 baht
Below these will probably be some Chinese and Indian deities, long established figures like Guan Yin and Brahma, but also more recently popular ones like Lakshmi and Ganesha.
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