How to participate in Thai Buddhist merit-making practices as a respectful visitor.
In Thai Buddhism, good deeds generate merit (bun) — reducing negative karma and improving one's situation in this life and future lives.
Buy jasmine garlands from vendors outside temples (20–50 THB) and place before Buddha images; light incense (usually provided); drop coins in the monk donation bowl.
Small birds in cages and fish in bags are sold at temple gates for release — considered merit-making; animal welfare concerns have grown around this practice.
If invited by a Thai family to join an alms-giving (tak bat), participate respectfully — monks walk silently, don't engage in conversation.
Don't touch monks (women especially); don't sit with feet toward Buddha images; don't stage photos of religious acts; silence is appropriate inside temple buildings.
