Sala (architecture)

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Freshly renovated Sala in Wat Rajbopit, Bangkok
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Freshly renovated Sala in Wat Rajbopit, Bangkok

A Sala (Thai: ศาลา) is an open pavilion. It is used as a meeting place and to protect people from sun and rain. They are in Buddhist temple areas (Wat) and on other places. Most buildings are open at all 4 sides.

In Thailand they have many purposes. In rural areas travelers can use them to rest and sleep. This ones are called Sala Asai. Salas even exists on some bus stops. If they are at a river bank or a canal as a landing-place for ships they are called Sala Nam ("water pavilion").

At some temples there are large Salas where laity can hear sermons or have religious instructions. These are called Sala Kan Parian (pavilion, where monks learn for the Parian examination).

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