On Rompho Road Jomtien, between Thepprasit Road Soi 17, and Jomtien Soi 5, there is a fairly large Banyan tree, around its base there are 2 or 3 Spirit houses and various figurines, including Buddhas, Erawan, the Guardian Spirits, Rama ‘V’ and dancing girls.
As you can see (in the photo above), the road has been built around both sides of the Banyan tree. The reason for this is, Banyan trees are considered to be sacred in Thailand, firstly because it was a Banyan tree under which Buddha found enlightenment, and secondly because the Banyan tree is reputed to be a home for Spirits. So rather than cut the tree down they simply build around it.
The tree is adorned with colored ribbons and garlands of flowers, there doesn’t seem to be any discarded items such as old Spirit houses, or broken Buddha figurines here. This suggests to me that this Banyan tree is revered for the Spirits who dwell inside it.
