Sunday, October 23, 2011

Thai Hermit

If you happen to spot a figure wearing a tiger skin robe in Bangkok, don't assume that it's another ridiculous trend in this city of fashion victims. Rather, these guys in animal print garb are Thai hermits who live, study, and meditate in forests or caves. Known in Thai as Phra Lersi, these ascetics usually practice traditional medicine and white magic. Bangkok cabbies keep images of Phra Lersi in their taxis to protect themselves from evil spirits. Or perhaps the statuettes represent the taxi drivers themselves who spend a considerable amount of time alone in their cabs away from their family and friends.