The narrow alley near the Royal Palace was crowded. Although it is located near the Royal Palace, Bangkok's most popular tourist attraction, only local people were visiting. The stores lined up here sell Buddhist altar fittings, so perhaps not many tourists come to this area. The two people in the photo seem to be locals.
On the wagon in front of them were piles of small amulets called "Phra Kruang," which Thai people often wear around their necks. It seems that Phra Kruang were originally dedicated to temples as an expression of devotion to the Buddha. Nowadays, however, they are purchased for their efficacy for protection, fulfillment of love, relationships, business prosperity, good fortune, and prosperity of offspring.
Standing in front of the wagon, the two of them pick up one small amulet after another and examine them with serious faces. To me, they all look the same, but there seems to be a difference. I heard that Phra Kruang of famous high monks fetch quite a high price and are sold as collector's items, so perhaps they are looking for bargains rather than purely buying amulets.
Dec 2017 PEOPLE THAILAND | |
AMULET BANGKOK WAGON |
No
10374
Shooting Date
Sep 2017
Posted On
December 7, 2017
Modified On
January 6, 2024
Place
Bangkok, Thailand
Genre
Street Photography
Camera
SONY ALPHA 7R II
Lens
SONNAR T* FE 55MM F1.8 ZA