A spirit tree. Before there was Buddhism, there was animism. After Buddhism, there is animism. People don't stress here about practicing their multiple religions and beliefs. From what I understand, all living things (and maybe inanimate objects as well) possess spirits, and really big trees are supposed to possess really big spirits, so people honor them by wrapping lots of fun and colorful scarves around them ... note the barbie doll strapped down near the top. Spirits like toys too and other fun things to play with. Most Thai households and businesses have a spirit house out front -- like a little doll house -- that is supposed to house and honor the land's spirits. People burn incense, say hello, give food and decorate it with flowers and toys to keep the spirits happy and occupied. We don't like to think about what happens when spirits are unhappy and bored, do we?