| There are over 31,200 Buddhist templesspread | | | | basic information before visiting Thailand and |
| around Thailand. In Thai we call them wat. They | | | | especially its temples. Thailand is a Buddhist |
| are grouped into two main groups: temples which | | | | country where Buddha images are held secret. |
| are permitted to carry out religious functions, and | | | | Sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment |
| those which are used only for living quarters for | | | | even if committed by foreign visitors. Visitors to |
| monks. | | | | temples should ensure that they are suitably |
| The vast majority of people in Thailand are | | | | dressed - no shorts or sing lets and ladies should |
| Buddhists for whom the temple plays an | | | | also cover their arms. Shoes should be removed |
| important role in the spiritual wellbeing of individuals | | | | before entering any building and it would be polite |
| and the community. There are over 31,200 | | | | to sit quietly when in the main temple buildings. |
| Buddhist temples spread around Thailand. In Thai | | | | When visiting a temple it is polite to seek the |
| they are called wat. They are grouped into two | | | | permission of the Abbott before taking |
| main groups: temples which are permitted to | | | | photographs or entering other than the main area. |
| carry out religious functions and those which are | | | | This can be done by approaching a monk or one |
| used only for living quarters for monks. | | | | of the many helpers found in the temple grounds. |
| Wherever you happen to find yourself in Thailand | | | | Normally permission is granted without seeing the |
| you’ll never be too far from a temple where | | | | Abbott, but your show of respect by asking, will |
| you can go to offer your prayers and “make | | | | be returned. If visiting popular temples, such as |
| merit” even if you aren’t Buddhist. | | | | Wat Phra Kaeo in the Grand Palace grounds, |
| Although all Buddhist temples share similar beautiful | | | | there is no need to seek any permission, but you |
| characteristics, there are some that are | | | | should look out for signs indicating where |
| architecturally more magnificent and historically | | | | photography is forbidden. |
| significant. | | | | Wat Phra Kaeo temple is situated in the capital |
| Temples are classified into two main categories: | | | | city of Bangkok and is more commonly known as |
| Royal Temples and Common Temples. The Royal | | | | the Temple of the Emerald Buddha because it |
| Temples were either built by royalty or came | | | | houses a small two foot jade statue of Buddha |
| under their sponsorship. In Thailand, there are | | | | which rests upon a huge golden alter. The temple |
| about 200 Royal Temples though there are only | | | | is very elaborately decorated with a rich array of |
| six of the highest grade. | | | | colours that are sure to astonish and dazzle all |
| With its beautiful temples, rich culture and history, | | | | visitors. This Buddhist temple is also significant in |
| great weather, fine food and world-renowned | | | | that it is the official royal chapel where the |
| beaches, Thailand is visited by approximately | | | | revered Thai royal family goes to perform their |
| seven million visitors each year. It is a country of | | | | religious ceremonies. Phra Kaeo temple is situates |
| approximately sixty million people, with a land area | | | | inside the grounds of the Royal Palace and aside |
| equivalent to that of France. It is undergoing a | | | | from the decorations of the actual building is |
| remarkable economic expansion, with growth | | | | home to some fascinating paintings and sculptures. |
| rates of approximately 8%-10 % each year. | | | | Wat Traimit, Temple of the Gold Buddha- the |
| That’s why Thailand continues to enter the | | | | most amazing feature of this temple is the fact |
| sights of Thailand property investors looking for | | | | that the 3 meter tall Buddha image is made up of |
| new opportunities away from the traditional | | | | 5.5 tons of solid gold. It was made about 700 |
| European and Caribbean markets. The two key | | | | years ago in the Sukhothai period but the image |
| drivers behind the Thailand property market ( find | | | | was covered in plaster in fear of the invading |
| more here ) are the domestic economic growth | | | | Burmese. It was rediscovered about 40 years |
| and tourism, and the expectation is that | | | | ago. |
| developments in both areas will contribute to a | | | | Besides these one should also visit the Wat Pho |
| continuing upward trend in property prices. People | | | | (Wat Phra Chetuphon or Temple of Reclining |
| buy property in Thailand for a number of reasons, | | | | Buddha) Wat Suthat , Wat Ratchabophit, Wat |
| from capital investments, to holiday rentals (with | | | | Ratchanatdaram , Wat Thepthidaram , Wat Saket |
| a long-term view of capital appreciation), to | | | | (The Golden Mount) , Wat Mahathat and the Wat |
| personal use as a holiday or retirement home. | | | | Rakhangkositaram. |
| Tourists and other foreigners should know some | | | | |