Culture and festivalsspirit house noun
- sǎan rising
- prá high
- puum mid
- Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”
- High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.
How to use it
A ศาลพระภูมิsǎan-prá-puum is the miniature temple on a post that stands outside most Thai homes, shops and office towers: the home of the spirit who guards the land. Every day people bring it flowers, incense, food and drinks, often a bottle of red soda, น้ำแดงnáam-daeng, and many give it a quick wai as they walk past. A second, lower shrine nearby, the ศาลตายายsǎan dtaa yaai, is for the "grandparent" spirits of the land. Treat both with respect: don't touch them, lean on them or take anything from them. Our page on Thai superstitions tells the whole story.
Other spellings you'll see
There's no single official way to write Thai in English letters. We mark the tone of every syllable; online you'll also find:
- san phra phum
- saan phra phoom
- san pra poom
- sarn phra phum
Read more
More culture and festivals in Thai
All culture and festivals- เพลงชาติ pleeng-châat National anthem
Learn Thai with the free course
A complete course from your first phrase to real conversations, with audio for every word and AI speaking practice. Free, no sign-up needed.
Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones