Living in Thailand I have learned a lot about Buddhism and how it complements Thai culture. Most Thai people believe in spirits (known as "phi") and dutifully keep them happy in their afterlife. When traveling in Thailand it is hard to miss these beautifully adorned "spirit" houses in front of every business, hotel, temple and home.

spirit houses at a resort on Koh Samui.

Spirit houses are constructed and taken care of by occupants of a home, business or pretty much any establishment in the Kingdom, after the location is picked for its austerity by a monk. It is also the responsibility of the Thai people to give offerings to the spirit houses to keep its occupants happy. Some are magnificent houses, decorated with things like flowers, pictures, figurines, food offerings and other gifts to their ancestors. Some others are makeshift shelves turned into a comfortable final resting place for the ghosts, depending on the location and economic standing of the keepers.

The spirit house at my school

Every day my co-workers pass this mini temple and stop for a few moments to "wai" and say a short prayer. They put fresh flowers, food, drinking, incense, and other religious symbols to appease this spirit house and keep our school safe. The belief of spirit houses is that if you keep the deceased happy, they will look after the people that are living and good luck is ensured for the current occupants.