Spirit houses: rent for the land's first owner

Outside almost every Thai home, shop, hotel and office stands a ศาลพระภูมิ, a little house on a post for the guardian spirit of the land (เจ้าที่), who was there before the building. It is placed with care, often with a ceremony on a date chosen by a monk or astrologer. Every morning someone offers food, water, a พวงมาลัย, incense and often a bottle of red soda, and people wai as they pass. Small figures of dancers, elephants and servants keep the spirit company. Don't take or move the offerings, don't point your feet at the shrine, and if you move into a new place, a small offering to say hello is appreciated.