Thais often provide a shelter for the spirits. The primary spirits that Thai's are concerned with are called the "Guardian Spirits of the Land". There are nine guardians and each one offers a different type of protection:
1. The Guardian of the House is the spirit that watches over and protects the home.
2. The Guardian of the Gardens watches over and protects the natural surroundings, yards, gardens and orchards.
3. Protector of Gate, Forts and Stairwells, who is believed to reside in the home doorstep: which explains why you should never tread on the doorstep of a Thai home?
4. Protector of animals.
5. Protector of Storehouses and Barns.
6. Protector of Forests, Mountains, Fields and Paddles.
7. Protector of Temples.
8. Protector of Waters.
9. Protector of Wedding Premises and Homes for Newlyweds.
Thai people also believe in ghosts. Thai ghosts and spirits can be generally divided into two categories:
1. Ghosts that are related to nature. These are some examples:
- Phi Pa is a spirit living in the forest. Hunters may leave a piece of animal remains to show respect to this spirit
- Phi Prai is a female sprit who resides in water.
- Nang Mai is the collective term used for female spirits inhabiting trees; some have specific terms and live in particular trees, for example:
- Phi Nang Tani is a female spirit who resides in a banana tree.
- Phi Nang takien is a female spirit who lives in a takien tree.
2. Ghosts that are related to Buddhist beliefs and legends. Here are some examples:
- Phi Preta is hungry ghost: extremely tall with a huge stomach and a tiny mouth the size of rice. Preta is believed to whistle at night but is not considered a threat. According to Buddhism, if one physically abuses his parents, he will become a Petra in the next life.
- Phi Krahang is a mixture between a man and a bird. It eats garbage, dirt and mud while its body glows.