Travelling to temples is catching on among the young, with Buddhist and Hindu temples popular domestic tourist attractions, a new report says.
The Economics Tourism and Sports Division (ETS), in its 2022 report, says young people cast a wish when they worship sacred items.
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat or Wat Leng Noei Yi in the Yaowarat (Chinatown) area, Ganesha Temple near the Ratchada-Huai Khwang intersection and Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan near Hua Lamphong Railway Station are popular destinations with such visitors.
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
The 150-year-old temple near Charoen Krung Road is popular with visitors from China, overseas Chinese and Thai Chinese residents.
Narinya Mongkoleiam, 29, a nurse, recently visited the temple for a ceremony aimed at changing her bad luck. "I have been performing this annual ritual for a long time," she said.
She also visits the temple on particular occasions, such as before an exam, when she asks for help in getting a good result.
Ganesha Shrine
Din Daeng district is where a temple for Ganesha, one of the most popular Hindu gods, is located.
Athicha Srisangrat and her friend Suchanan Tapnoi, both 21-year-old university students, are among the visitors.
"When we feel our life has entered a bad period, turning to supernatural things makes us feel secure," they said, adding they frequently make wishes for a better academic performance, and career and family business success.
Wat Traimit
The temple is known as Wat Sam Chin for short and is located on Charoen Krung Road in Samphanthawong district.
Taechin Chiewchan, 22, a student, said he came here to wish for good luck in his upcoming mid-term exam, adding: "I visit the place often, as my grandmother comes here, and she often brings me with her, so my family has a bond with this place."
