The Amulet Culture of Thailand

Abstract

This introduction to the Special Edition on Thailand’s amulet culture provides an overview of the country’s vibrant and evolving landscape of amulet practices. It traces the historical development of diverse interpretations and uses of amulets in Thailand, highlighting how these practices have adapted over time. Additionally, the introduction discusses various theoretical frameworks that scholars have employed to understand why, in an era often said to be characterized by rationalism, such beliefs and practices not only endure but thrive. The introduction concludes by detailing how the articles in this Special Edition contribute to ongoing scholarly debates on modernity, enchantment, and the role of contemporary media.