New Book Explores Thai Temples as Modern Tourist Attractions
A new book examines how Thai temples have evolved into tourist attractions resembling amusement parks, tracing this shift from temple architecture before the 1997 economic crisis to the spiritual entertainment parks that emerged afterward.
The book "Buddhailand: Kingdom of Faith and Modern Thai Temples" is written by Pinyaphan Patchanalavanya, published by Matichon Publishing House, and costs 330 baht. The book examines how Thai temples have become tourist attractions resembling amusement parks. It addresses this phenomenon through three main discussion topics: diverse Buddhist concepts and religious site construction; giant architectural structures and Buddhailand's formation before the 1997 economic crisis; and Thai-style spiritual entertainment parks after the 1997 crisis.
Nationally, the 1997 economic crisis marks a critical turning point that brought government tourism support policies and the development of roads accessing off-main-route areas. This made temples and Buddhailand-style religious sites more accessible by private vehicles, aligning with contemporary cultural changes influenced by popular culture conveyed through various media such as dramas, films, and cartoons from both Thailand and abroad. Different areas within temples resemble different zones of an amusement park. Temples reputed to bring good fortune attract crowds of people hoping for success in work and romance, filling these sites with visitors.
Across the country, the geographical locations of temples and religious sites vary. Sacred objects and structures are often linked to specific regions: Luang Por Srivichai in the North, Naga in the Northeast, Somdet Phra Phutthacharoen (Luang Por Sodh) in the Central region, and Jatukham Rammathep, Luang Por Tuat, and Ai Khai in the South. However, some sacred objects have expanded in popularity across regions, such as Somdet Phra Phutthacharoen, Luang Por Tuat, Ai Khai, and Naga. Certain sacred objects enjoy widespread popularity with no geographical limits, such as Guan Yin and Thao Wessuwan, which became extremely popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic and life stress from the pandemic marked a major turning point that brought significant changes to Buddhailand-style temples and religious sites.
Readers can find answers in this edition of Buddhailand.
Other book recommendations include "Religion: A History of Faith Among Humanity," translated by Sunantha Wannasin Bel from Richard Holloway's work, published by Bookscape, which presents world religious history vividly and reflects how religion overlaps with social, political, and cultural dimensions. The book costs 365 baht. Also recommended is "Jataka Tales: 50 Stories Teaching Children to Be Good People," compiled by MIS Editorial Team, which curates 50 jataka tales with moral lessons suitable for children.
