other than the foreign characters and fancy graffiti, one thing no one can miss is the spirit houses at every turn. According to Thailand’s official data from 2018, Thailand has 93.5% Buddhists, 5.4% Muslims, 1.1% Christians, and 0.1% followers of other religions or atheists. Here, most people believe in the Buddha and are heavily influenced by animism. In order to prevent bad karma, people need to gain merit and worship spirits. Spirit houses are literally places where offerings are made to the spirits of the homes where people live. While the new generation might follow these practices out of cultural custom, traditionally, people believed that if they worshiped spirits sincerely and with respect, the spirits would protect them rather than be against them.
Photo taken on a street in Chiang Mai.
The Buddha at Wat Chiang Man.
Spirit houses are not only found at personal residences; many stores, markets, and public squares also have them. In the history of Chiang Mai, there is even a spirit associated with the whole city. For a spirit house, pretty flower garlands (phuang malai) and some food offerings (such as fruits, snacks, or drinks) are common sacrifices.
A staff member of PYF recently moved to a new place and invited us to join the housewarming event. Christians in Thailand have a tradition of holding a housewarming event when they move into a new home. It is not only a way to show hospitality, but also an opportunity to invite people to pray for the house together.
Photo taken at Chiang Mai’s umbrella making village.
Photo taken at Chiang Mai University.
Considering the small Christian population in Thailand, sometimes I feel lost in a place that is heavily influenced by other powers and beliefs. Talking with Emily made me realize how blessed we are to be born into Christian families and to have known God our whole lives. In Thailand, resistance to believing in Jesus often comes not from the government, but from one’s own family. Since gaining merit is believed to help prevent bad karma and provide a better life in the next cycle of life (samsara), children are often expected to gain merit for their parents and grandparents, such as through regularly worshiping at temples, making offerings, or even becoming a monk temporarily after the death of a family member. In a society that highly values family and honor, becoming a Christian can be seen as refusing to gain merit for the elders, failing to fulfill filial piety, and not loving one’s family. Sometimes we take it for granted that we can worship God without risking separation from the people we love.
So, among all this, where is the hope? How is God working in a country with almost 99% of unbelievers? It feels like a small candle in a huge castle that’s completely dark.
At the housewarming event, Emily and I were chatting with two other girls. One of them is a Christian who regularly attends church. She tried hard to communicate with us, using bits and pieces of English, Chinese, and Japanese. The other girl, a Christian as well, works at a daycare that is closely connected with PYF. She also helps us as a translator when we teach English classes at one of the youth homes. We had so much fun trying to communicate with each other. They were so kind and friendly, like older sisters. Later, I learned that both of them had participated in God First, one of PYF’s ministries. They had participated in God First 1 and 2, and this year, PYF is planning God First 7. In the midst of my doubts, these girls are living evidence of how God cares for His people. They are not the only fruits; there are many others. God is doing His amazing work, even though it takes a long time and is sometimes hard to see.
We had mu kratha together at the housewarming event. The girl sitting next to me kept grilling pork and putting it into my bowl. They were all so sweet❤️
Photo taken at Chiang Mai University.
I invite you to pray for the spirit houses in Thailand. Pray that one day they will no longer be worshiped and that people will experience the true love of God. Please pray for all the organizations and ministries in Thailand, that God will bless their work and that the fruits will be abundant, not for human satisfaction or achievement, but out of love and for the glorification of God’s name.
Thank you.