a little merit never hurt

95% of Thais are Buddhist.  Buddhism is more than a religion, it is a way of life.  And although many Thais don't follow every 'rule' they do have great respect for Buddhism, Buddha and Monks.  All parts of Thailand are scattered with Wats (temples), shrines and Budhhas big and small. Thais often pause several times a day to give respect to Buddha and offer up a small prayer. 

The Wats are supported by all.  This week when walking past a Wat we pass almost daily in Bangkok, there was a festive atmosphere.  A new roof was going on one of the buildings.  The roof is made from terracotta tiles.  People were giving their support to the new roof by buying a tile (or several) and the tiles were being installed as they were purchased.

After purchasing a tile, you write your name on the back and send it up to the roof with a prayer.  In Buddhism gaining merit is how, in the next cycle of life, you come back in a better position.  Helping to maintain the Wats is one way of gaining merit.

a woman writes on her purchased tile while a man says a prayer as his tile goes on the roof.

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rows of tiles waiting to be purchased

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I'm not a practicing Buddhist but a little merit never hurt anyone. I purchased a tile and sent it up with a little prayer. 

Peter writing on his tile

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You send your tile to the roof in a basket on a rope pulley.  The basket is covered in tinsel, Thais love glitter and sparkle.

me pulling the rope to send my tile to the roof in the basket

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the basket with my tile being accepted on the roof

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The Thais always seem to love when a foreigner takes the time to be involved in their culture.  I always find a little respect for their culture and religion go a long way.  So although many people were sending up tiles, ours definitely got some extra recognition from the crowd. We both placed our hands in front of our faces in the traditional respectful 'wai' stance and sent up a prayer. (Mine was for a safe and enjoyable stay in Thailand.)