Thailand is home to around 27,000 Buddhist temples or wats with over 300 in Bangkok alone. Communities traditionally centered around the temple which provided a focal point for the lives of inhabitants.

The word "temple" is something of a misnomer when applied to the Thai wat. A wat is actually a complex of structures each with its' own function . The heart of the temple is the bot or ubosoth which corresponds to the Christian church or chapel. It is here that the major Buddha image is enshrined, where major acts of devotion and ordination ceremonies are held. Its limits are definded by eight boundary stones known as sima found at four corners and four cardinal points.

Sermons are given at another structure known as the viharn also containing a major Buddha image. The bell-shaped chedi or stupa is the reliquary for sacred objects of the Buddha. Another type of stupa, shaped like finger pointing at the sky, and known as prang, is Khmer in origin and represents a sacred mountain.

Other buildings include salas which are resting places for celebrants and the monks' quarters know as kuti. Many temples also have libraries known as mondop as well as schools as once they were the repositories of all knowledge. Most temple compounds usually have a Po or Bhodi tree. This is the sacred focus religion under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Temples are often populated with stone statues representing mythical being. These include yaksha which are guardian giants generally weilding clubs,nagas and garudas the winged vehicle of Vishnu, the demi-avian kinnorn and their consorts the kinnaree.

Other embellishments include mother-of-pearl, lacquer, and wood carving which transform sites of ceremony and worship into objects of delight fit for divinities, Decorative crafts are elevated to an art form in their ornamentation of doors, windows, gables and other structures.