chao

To rent. The verb used universally for acquiring an amulet, from village temple counters to transactions between collectors worth millions of baht. The language reflects a worldview in which a consecrated object cannot truly be owned or priced; money given is framed as a donation supporting the temple, and the object passes into the renter's care rather than possession. Saying rent rather than buy signals respect.

Usage

Devotees chao new amulets most authentically at the temples that made them.