A Buddhist novice monk at Wat Chiang Yeun in the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai (fig.) making a chattra —also spelled shattra—, i.e. a multi-layered parasol, in Thai referred to as chat.

The chattra is typically held over a honourary figure, usually as a symbol of royalty or honour. It thus typically crowns over the throne of the King of Thailand (fig.), as well as over certain Buddha statues (fig.).

It sometimes crowns the mast of a Buddhist stupa or chedi (fig.), and in North Thailand is often seen on the roofs of temple buildings, usually in the middle (fig.), and indicates the Buddha's royal status as Prince Siddhartha.