A Pokemon Go Trainer in Bangkok

Listed in the Being Thai page.

Unlike the Hindu or Chinese gods, the gods from Greek and Roman mythology were not worshiped nor prayed for a favor in Thailand, i.e., no incense-sticks and offerings. Most Thais did not know anything about them except in passing from movies and series. However, many statues had been erected for decorating purposes in Western-themed buildings or gardens. Neptune/Poseidon The name of the Greek God of the Sea had been most probably most widely known of all the Greek/Roman gods in Thailand. Unfortunately, it was due to the Poseidon Entertainment Complex on Ratchadapisek red-light district which offered adult-oriented hospitality. According to their website, the business ranged from the restaurant, karaoke, Thai massage, soapy massage, and many more. Hence, the name Poseidon had a sleazy undertone meaning in Thailand. Eros/Cupid The statues of cute and chubby cupid with little bows aiming for love has positively well-received as garden decorations. I don't think that I had ever s...

Brahma Indra Vishnu This Narayana astride Garuda was one of the eight gods of Ratchaprasong, arguably the most holy intersection in central Bangkok due to the high density of Hindu gods. In Thai, the posture was called narai-song-suban; the gym label was a mistake as the focus was more on the god than the stead. This posture was also made into the bow of the newest royal barge that was completed in 1996. Narai Song Suban H.M. King Rama IX : National Museum of Royal Barges Listed in the Being Thai and page,

Thai cultures have been heavily influenced by India ones. While most Thais are Buddhist, the Hinduism influence is undeniable. There are shrines to Hindu gods everywhere, from the royal court where the image of god-king was adopted to emphasize the power and majesty, to commoners who prayed for good luck. They also function as divine patrons of professions. Some people came to pray at these statues even though they were not Hindu, mainly for good luck in love, works or exam as well as for confidence in general. Frequency, a table will be placed near the statute for offerings and incense stick receptacle. There might be an annual or regular ceremony to pay respect as well. Personally, I think that it was the mythical storytelling and fascination with divinity that these gods that helped fulfilled gaps in people's mind. Shrines of these Hindu gods dotted around the country at a surprising density and many became Pokemon landmarks. Previously, I overlooked them and started noticin...

The triple numbers - 111, 222, ..., 999 - had a particular word in Thai, Tong (ตอง). For instance, 111 could be called 'nueng roi sib ed' (หนึ่งร้อยสิบเอ็ด, one hundred and eleven), 'nueng nueng nueng' (หนึ่งหนึ่งหนึ่ง, one one one), or 'tong nueng' (ตองหนึ่ง, triple one). The word was probably originated from a traditional Thai card game, Pai Tong (ไพ่ตอง), which was too complicated for me to play. I guessed that the word became popular in daily life because it was short and provided a quick mental grasp. Some Thai attached significant meaning to these repeating numbers and believed that these numbers could influence one's life. Specific car license and phone numbers were sold at exorbitant prices for luck or showing off the wealth and power in acquiring that unique numbers for personal uses. The most desirable numbers in Thai language is '999' as it was pronounced 'kao kao kao' (เก้าเก้าเก้า), which is very close to 'kao k...