This is one of the, for lack of a better term, coolest aspects of a traditional Buddhist home that I have come across. According to custom, when people finish building their houses they create a san phra poom, or guardian spirit house. A Buddhist ceremony takes place to invite a protective spirit to inhabit the small house. It is believed it will bring luck, happiness, success and security against mean spirits or enemies who might threaten the family or their home.

Fascinated by Thailand's ancestral buildings, Pirot Gitikoon carves a faithful replica of a Buddhist temple, known as a vihara.. Carved of teakwood by hand, the miniature temple is intended to become a spirit house.

Pirot Gitikoon does artisan work in his spare time in Thailand. He work is showcased on novica.com. (via novica.com)