Photographing Thailand. 2024. Part Four.

 

Buddhist amulets for sale.  Many Thais believe these brooches and cameos, which are blessed by monks, can ward off illness, bad luck, and even heal gunshot wounds.

 

Each of these metal 'dog tags' has a Buddhist verse stamped on it. The Thais purchase these to hang up by the thousands in Buddhist temples throughout Thailand. This act builds merit and brings good luck.


In the many hidden Chinese ancestral temples that dot the landscape of Thailand there are 'blessing trees' like this one; the name of an ancestor is written on each metal tag and hung on a ceramic willow, which ensures that said ancestor will find favor with the gods of the White Mountain.


A night market in Khonkaen that sells paper lanterns for the upcoming Loy Krathom festival.
 

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