Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Thai Devotees Offer Bubble Tea at Bangkok Ganesha Shrine
People in Bangkok sometimes bring bubble tea to a shrine for Lord Ganesha.
A content creator named Piya Ping showed this in an Instagram video.
The shrine is outside Union Mall, where people can easily buy different bubble tea brands.
In Thailand, Ganesha is also called Phra Phikanet or Phra Phikanesuan.
Many people connect him with good luck, success and help with problems.
Some devotees return with more drinks when a wish comes true.
The number of cups can grow from three to many more, and Piya mentioned offerings of up to 200 cups.
In India, people more often offer sweets such as laddoos and modaks.
This is why the Bangkok custom seemed unusual to some Indian viewers but also showed how worship can take on a local Thai form.
A shrine outside Union Mall in Bangkok has drawn attention for bubble tea offerings to Lord Ganesha.
Bangkok-based content creator Piya Ping shared an Instagram video showing several cups of boba milk tea at the shrine.
In Thailand, Ganesha is known as Phra Phikanet or Phra Phikanesuan and is associated with good fortune, success and removing obstacles.
Piya said devotees may return with more bubble tea after a wish is fulfilled, with offerings reportedly ranging from three cups to as many as 200.
The practice surprised some Indian viewers accustomed to offerings such as laddoos and modaks, while others appreciated its distinctly Thai character.
- Who
- Thai devotees, Bangkok-based content creator Piya Ping and Lord Ganesha.
- What
- Devotees offered cups of bubble tea to a Ganesha idol.
- When
- Recently, when Piya Ping shared the shrine video on Instagram.
- Where
- At a shrine outside Union Mall in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Why
- The offering is part of a local devotional practice, including returning with more bubble tea after a wish is fulfilled.
- Offering
- Bubble tea, also called boba or boba milk tea
- Deity
- Lord Ganesha
- Thai names
- Phra Phikanet or Phra Phikanesuan
- Location
- Shrine outside Union Mall, Bangkok, Thailand
- Video creator
- Piya Ping
- Reported offerings
- Offerings may range from three cups to as many as 200 cups
- Common Indian offerings
- Laddoos, modaks and other sweets
