Buddha and red Fanta

Another thing in Thailand I haven't quite figured out yet is the offering of red Fanta to Buddha. It is funny how a product from one of the largest multi-national corporations (Coca-cola) in the world has become an integral part of Thai culture. The pictures were taken in Phuket and Bangkok respectively, so I am pretty sure it is not a regional thing.

January 9th: Mystery solved.

The offering of food and drinks is not only for Buddha's, but for spirit houses as well. Each of these spirit houses inhabit a different type of ghost, which have their own likes and dislikes. One such ghost is Goo Man Tong, who is a baby ghost which likes red drinks. About 15 years ago, 7-11's starting popping up in Thailand at seemingly every 100 metres and soon red Fanta became the most easily accessible red drink. (I am not sure what type of juice was typically used before 7-11)

So, the picture on the right is of a spirit house, although my Thai friends say that Goo Man Tong doesn't live in spirit houses like that. On the left is Nanguag, and she is notable for her upright hand which is thought to bring in customers.