Spirit Houses On The Road Side

[12DrinkMore]

Often you will come across a place on the roadside where, I guess, between five and fifty spirit houses have been placed or dumped. What is the story here? Are they new spirits houses or are they old spirit houses which need a new location? Or maybe even bad spirit houses which have had to be moved?

Maybe the Thais don't like chucking them in the bin, so they find a spirit house resting ground?

Edited August 23, 2008 by 12DrinkMore

[Jonny B]

my g.f says the owners must have bought a new one and dont want to throw the old one in the rubbish so put on some spare land or somewhere, then guess once some1 has oput one there then the sheep follow suit.

[Farma]

I’ve also been told they’re placed at the scene of a road fatality similar to people in Oz placing white crosses with relatives names at accident locations.

[Deelectro]

I think it has more to do with banishing negative vibes or bad luck

[Tim207]

Often you will come across a place on the roadside where, I guess, between five and fifty spirit houses have been placed or dumped. What is the story here? Are they new spirits houses or are they old spirit houses which need a new location? Or maybe even bad spirit houses which have had to be moved?

Maybe the Thais don't like chucking them in the bin, so they find a spirit house resting ground?

I suppose the other answers could all be valid depending on the particular location. I can tell you that the one outside my village is offerings to the local spirits. Occasionally the very old houses are removed but they are left until they are falling apart. If you see stubs of incense or candles it is not a dump and if there are several it is probably not for a road accident.

[Martian]

My wife (Thai) says Thai people believe that the old Spirit Houses should be placed near a road or mountain (big hill). When I asked her why, she had no idea. It's one of those things you just don't continue inquiring about....lol. But I am certain the comment about sheep following couldn't be more true.

Martian

[JohnBanPrang]

Old brokken Spirit houses usualy get placed under big trees e.g near roads so the spirits can live there(in the tree).You can not just dump it anywhere,so it will normally be under a big tree.Try to notice this when you see them "dumped".

[PoorSucker]

If you move to an old house there might be an old spirit house there.

You must hire a specialist to move it to a proper place.

Remember to honk your horn two times when passing these places.