In the lives of the Thai ethnic people, the hearth is not only a place for cooking but also the soul and symbol of warmth and family tradition in their stilt houses.

Here are some of the important meanings of the hearth for the Thai people:

• Family activity center:The hearth is where the whole family gathers after a day's work. It's a space where elders pass on their experience, tell fairy tales, and share customs with their children and grandchildren.
• Spiritual and religious values:For Thais, it is important to keep the fire burning so that it never goes out completely. The kitchen is the dwelling place of the "kitchen spirit" (phi phay), a deity who protects the family from evil spirits and brings good fortune.
• Guest reception area:According to custom, guests visiting a home are often invited to sit by the fireplace and enjoy a cup of wine, demonstrating hospitality and strengthening family bonds.
• Storing food and supplies:The attic (khà) above the fireplace is where dried meat (smoked meat), seeds, and bamboo farming tools are smoked to prevent insect infestation and mold.
• Characteristic structure:The kitchen is usually located in the outer (or central) section of the stilt house. The kitchen frame is made of sturdy wood, and the inside is filled with tightly packed earth to insulate it from the bamboo and wood floor.