The objectives of this thesis were to investigate the legend of Brahma worship, and the creation of Brahma worship ceremonies in contemporary Thai society. Data was gathered during the years 2013-2017, in the areas where such ceremonies occur, that is: Bangkok, Pathumthani, Singburi, Roi-et and Prachuabkhirikhan. The results show that belief in Brahma has existed in Thai culture for a long time. To a large extent, Brahma worship in Thai society is based in Buddhism. Some characteristcs show through but not prominently. For instance, there is a lofty spirit, but its role is to support the Buddha, and to influence moral and ethical affairs. In 1958, a group of politicians introduced the roots of Brahman belief, embellished them to take on a deeper meaning and built Brahman Erawan shrine. They published the sacred account of Brahma Erawan widely through modern media, resulting in the popularizing of Brahma worship among urban people. Over time, it became a Brahman worship ceremony, making “Brahma” an elevated spirit with a lofty role but in religion, he became more involved with the worldly affairs of mankind. The cult spread, and the ceremony in each locality consists of different elements because of their differing genesis. There are many ceremonial symbols, which call forth sincerity and belief from the worshippers. There is also another set of symbols which serve to further reinforce beliefs in Thai tradition and Brahma worship, but these all differ across the localities, depending on the objectives of the organizers. Symbols in the ceremony indicate that Brahma represents virtue, and represents the people in urban culture. They also reflect the blending together of many beliefs within Thai tradition, so that urban people may have a common point of faith. The power of the Brahman worship ceremony lies in the story itself, the belief, the ritual, the broad scope of qualities and images denoting goodness. These all allow the participants trusting in Brahma to embellish the meaning in order to serve present-day society. The Brahma worship cult is an “ideology for urban tradition”. It has arisen as a response by urban people having a complex lifestyle and intricate wishes. This cult is cultural capital introduced to build a unique brand for sale and export
