© Thai Temples -  Travelers' Net

Thai Temples - called Wats - are an important part of the Thai society today as well as in the past. Temples are places of worship and the residences of monks and nuns. People visit the wats not only to make merit and to perform religious ceremonies, but also to conduct social activities.

In the old days, temples were the only school-system. Only less then a century ago the Thai government set up secular schools to supplement monastery education.

Even today, many government schools remain on temple grounds. Some children remain here their whole childhood. Homeless or poor children enjoy free shelter and food.

Beautiful Phuket is home to many wats. None of them are as big and ostentatious as the Grand Palace in Bangkok, but every one of them has a charm and a style of its own.

Actually the temples of Phuket are small jewels in green pastures. The wats welcome visitors of any color and belief in a friendly and devout atmosphere.

It is customary for every Thai male to become monk for a shorter or longer period of time. Thus the importance of Buddha's teachings and the presence of the wats establish themselves securely in every Thai boys head.