Beckham takes shine to shrines

The shrines are believed to protect property

David Beckham has caused a stir in Thailand by stopping his motorcade to buy no fewer than six roadside Buddhist shrines.

The football star's police escort looked on astonished as he asked for the "spirit houses" - miniature temples which are believed to protect property and are usually found in private gardens - to be sent back to the UK for him.

Beckham arrived in Thailand on Sunday amid great secrecy with his wife Victoria for a two-day visit to shoot a TV advertisement for motor oil company Castrol.

I am one of his fans, but never dreamed I could come this close to him

Police sergeant Naresh Jimpik

The couple are on the second leg of a promotional tour of Asia.

Their arrival went almost unnoticed, in marked contrast to his visit to Japan last week where they were mobbed by hundreds of fans.

'Very excited'

The Beckhams were whisked away from Bangkok airport after their arrival to the southern resort of Aleenta for the filming.

The Associated Press news agency quoted officials as saying during the shoot Beckham sat in a hammock and played football with young Thais, watched by a large police escort.

"I was very excited when my boss told me that I would be among the police officers providing security for David Beckham," said police sergeant Naresh Jimpik.

"I am one of his fans, but never dreamed I could come this close to him."

Beckham is not scheduled to make any public appearances until Tuesday, when he visits the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

He will then make a brief visit to Vietnam before returning to Bangkok for more promotional events.