Curious about this open pavilion before us? It is the Sala Thai. The Sala Thai offers shade and serves as a meeting place.
Sala, also known as Sala Thai, derives from the Sanskrit word “sala”. In Thailand, it refers to buildings for specific purposes. Most Salas are open on all four sides. You will find them throughout Thailand. They are often in Buddhist temple areas or wats.
Building a Sala at a temple or in a public place earns religious merit. A Sala located in a temple is called a salawat. This comes from the Khmer word “sala wat”. It means a house for studying and meeting in a wat. Some large Salas host sermons or religious instruction for laity. These are called sala kan parian. That means “pavilion where monks learn for the Parian examination”. City halls are called sala wa kan. This literally means “government pavilion”.
In Thailand, Salas serve purposes like roadside pavilions of Asoka. In rural areas, travelers use them to rest. These Salas are called sala asai. One at the roadside is a sala rim thanon. It may serve as a bus stop. If it is on a riverbank, it is a sala tha nam. This means “water pier pavilion”.
The term “sala” first appeared in the Atharvaveda. This ancient Indian Hindu text dates back to 1200 BC to 1000 BC. “Sala” then meant “house” in a broad sense. It could mean a stall, shed, or room. The house owner was called “sala-pati”.
Here in Tokyo, the Ueno Zoological Gardens has its own Sala Thai. This Sala Thai is a gift from the Royal Thai Government. It marks 120 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Japan.
Traditionally, the Sala was a vital part of the Thai house. It connected occupants and visitors. Arriving guests met the householder in the Sala. After introductions, the host decided whether to invite them inside. Modern Salas often serve as family seating areas. They resemble gazebos. Some are at the top of stairs, level with the living areas.
This Sala Thai reminds us of Thailand’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. It symbolizes a welcoming space for meeting and reflection.