Votive tablets in Thailand

by Pattaratorn Chirapravati M.L

This book focuses on the origin, development of styles, and uses of votive tablets in Thailand from their introduction in the sixth century CE to their present role in the almost universal Thai practice of wearing amulets. The book first describes the introduction of Buddhism to Thailand and the practice of making votive tablets during the pre-Thai periods of the Mon, the Khmer, and the residents of the Peninsula (sixth to thirteenth centuries). Then it presents votive tablets produced during the Thai periods of Sukhothai, Haripunjaya, Ayutthaya, Lanna, and Ratanakosin from the fourteenth century to the present. Lastly, it addresses the cult of amulets and the 'merchants of Buddhism'.