Globalizing Thai amulets: the Chinese-Singaporean role in commoditizing objects of faith

Abstract

ABSTRACT Thai amulets have gained increasing popularity among Chinese believers throughout Asia and beyond. This study aims to explore the social life of Thai amulets, their complex relationship with Chinese religiosity in the highly individualistic Singapore society, within the modern system of monetary transactions and new social media, and investigate how these embodied material networks affect their value and meaning. Based on ethnographic data, in-depth interviews and media analysis, this article highlights the agency of Chinese-Singaporean amulet dealers in the transnational amulet market. Taking advantage of global trust in the credibility of the “Singapore Brand” with their multilingual and marketing expertise, Chinese-Singaporean dealers have played a key role in commoditizing and selling Thai amulets to other Chinese believers throughout Asia and beyond. Moreover, the authors argue that a transnational sphere has enabled Chinese-Singaporean dealers to produce an “unofficial” sacred space that lies outside the state’s gaze in order to negotiate with a stressful life in Singapore.