Abstract:
This qualitative research aims to study evolution, significance creation, rituals, and
people involving in the founding of gigantic religious image of worship in Thai society in terms
of belief, value, social space, peoples wish, and commerce. The samples of this research, which
were purposively selected, include 9 images. The primary and secondary data are from
observation of activities, rituals, and interviews from original informants. The findings
presentation is in form of descriptive analysis.
The findings show that gigantic religious objects of worship have been founded in the
area of Siam which is now the Kingdom of Thailand since Sukothai era. The evolution has
occurred in the significance creation of the objects according to the suitability, the value, and the
purpose of the objects. It is also reflected that although Buddhism has been acknowledged as the
major religion since Sukothai era, spirit worship and Brahmanism have still been practiced. This
can be seen from astrology and beliefs in auspicious time and lucky numbers. Apart from that, the
founding of the gigantic objects of worship also reflects peoples identity and wish. The beliefs of
the chair of the founding ceremony and of the devotee are different. Since a great deal of
resources are needed for the building process and the maintenance of each object of worship,
whether the activities or the rituals hold by the temple or the foundation where the object of
worship is housed for gaining financial support is considered commercial or not is depended on
individual point of view.