Sai Sin, more commonly known as the Paritta Thread in a Theravada Buddhism context is a piece of thread that tie around the wrist (sometimes around the neck of children). Some people believe that this thread can protect them from the attack of wild ghosts, some believe that it can bring them good luck. This practice is prevalent in South and Southeast Asia in Theravada Buddhism societies. Yet in Thailand, especially in urban Thailand which has gone through almost a century of modernization and religious reformation, this practice not only maintained its original function but also evolved to reflect the current social structure.
The author has noticed that in contemporary Thai society, the usage of this thread is no longer limited to the traditional sacred spaces and relationships in previous anthropological Buddhism studies. Apart from consecration rituals and temple visits, people also get this thread from teachers and seniors in the school. The thread that used to mark the hierarchy relationship between laity and the sangha community now symbolizes another kind of hierarchy based on a similar structure: age group and the predominate of knowledge. Also, in this essay, the author will illustrate another case that uses the Sai Sin to emphasise the hierarchical relationship between the nation-state itself and its citizens.
Through the study of a comparison of both old and new practices, this research aims to explore the essence structure work behind this practice and ritual material. From that point, trying to explore the function of Buddhism and the Sangha-Laity relationship used to and continue to play in this structure. Lastly, this research will also offer a new perspective to reveal the social power structure that works behind the existing hierarchy.
