BELIEFS AND WORSHIP OF CHINESE DEITIES AMONG THE OVERSEAS CHINESE IN BANGKOK

Abstract

Abstract— The migration of overseas Chinese to Thailand has contributed to significant cultural and religious interactions, resulting in the incorporation of Chinese beliefs and ritual practices into Thai society . Bangkok has consequently become one of the most importa nt centers of Chinese shrines in Thailand. This study examines the beliefs and worship of Chinese deities among overseas Chinese communities in Bangkok . The findings indicate that such beliefs originate from Chinese religious traditions and cultural heritage, and are reflected in the various types of deities Worshiped in major Chinese shrines across the city . The religious practices found in these shrines demonstrate that they function not only as spiritual centers for overseas Chinese, but also as important elements of cultural heritage that continue to influence contemporary Thai society. These results are consistent with recent scholarship emphasizing the localization, adaptation, and transformation of Chinese religious practices in overseas contexts (Xiao & Li, 2021; Zhang & Zhao, 2022; Li, 2023).