Like in all countries, Thailand has its share of superstitions, knowing them will allow you to better understand Thai culture.
The Thaiger newspaper has listed 10 superstitions that are currently practiced in Thailand.
Many of them are associated with bad luck, while others are mentioned in a good humor.
Each superstition has an interesting story, mainly related to Buddhism, ghosts, and old traditions.
Here are the 10 most common Thai superstitions that may surprise you.
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1. Don't look between your legs
Photo: A daily dose of mom
No, it's not what you think, it's more frightening than sexual.
Many people believe that if you bend down and look between your legs, you'll see a ghost.
This belief was used as a plot in the famous ghost film Pee Mak.
It's one of the most frightening Thai superstitions for many people.
2. Bird droppings and lizard noises are a sign of bad luck
You're heading out for the day and a bird poops on you?
It's better to go back home, as it's a sign that the rest of your day will be filled with bad luck.
You hear a lizard making noise as you're about to leave your house?
Thais will advise you to cancel your plans and stay home for the day, as it is a sign that something bad is going to happen to you.
On the other hand, some people count the number of « tokay » sung by the Gecko Tokay to then play the numbers in the lottery.
3. Don't play hide and seek after sunset
Photo: Peggy Marco
In Thailand, as in the rest of Southeast Asia, adults generally advise children not to play hide and seek after sunset.
It is said that malevolent spirits will join the game and use their supernatural abilities to hide the players from human eyes, so that they can never be found or caught by the seeker, even if they cry out or call for help desperately.
The bad spirits then lead the lost players to the afterlife.
Almost all Thai children know this myth and many ghost stories are inspired by it.
However, the real reason for this superstition is to prevent children from playing in the dark without supervision.
Parents fear that their children will get lost, get injured, or be kidnapped.
4. Don't sing in the kitchen if you don't want an old husband
Warning to singles: don't sing while cooking or eating if you don't want to end up with an old husband.
In Thailand, mothers and grandmothers pass on this belief to their daughters, and it's probably one of the most feared superstitions among teenage girls who don't want to marry an old man.
In reality, this superstition was born because, in the past, Thai women used to sing while working in the kitchen.
They would then injure themselves or burn the dishes they were preparing.
The ancients use this superstition to scare women.
This allows them to focus on what they're doing in the kitchen and avoid burning rice or accidentally cutting themselves with the kitchen knife.
Regarding meals, this superstition is used because it's not good manners to be noisy and rowdy during meals.
See also: Couples: the greater the age gap, the greater the disappointment, according to a study
5. In Thailand, there is a color for each day of the week
Yellow polo in tribute to the king. Photo: Nujaree Raekrun
It is said that colors have hidden meanings and influence feelings and perceptions.
Each day of the week has its color, which influences the daily life of the inhabitants, who believe that wearing the color of their birth day will bring them good luck.
Curious to know what your color is?
See: In Thailand, there is a color for each day of the week
The color of the flags of members of the royal family also depends on the day of their birth, the flag of King Rama X for example is yellow, because he was born on a Monday, like his father before him.
Of course, this practice is no longer popular among young Thais, but more traditional Thais are still known to wear their “birth color» as a good luck charm.
In addition to the fact that they bring good luck, many people also believe that certain colors worn on certain occasions bring bad luck.
Black, for example, is often associated with mourning and funerals.
Therefore, do not wear black clothing when attending joyful celebrations such as birthday parties or weddings.
You should also avoid this color when visiting sick people.
6. Don't say a baby is cute
Asian baby. Photo: 顾翔
In other countries, we say that babies are cute, whether it's because they're actually cute or because it's the most polite thing to say to parents.
But that's not the case in Thailand, because babies are not considered cute there.
Of course, they're cute and adorable, but you should keep that to yourself and call them "ugly" (nâa klìiat) instead.
Why?
Because many people think that calling a baby cute (naa rak) would attract the attention of jealous evil spirits.
Moreover, these spirits will do everything possible to kidnap the baby and harm it.
Thai people therefore say that newborns are "ugly" to deceive evil spirits.
If you're in Thailand, don't call a baby 'cute' if you don't want to anger the parents, if you say it's ugly, they'll be delighted and impressed by your knowledge of Thai culture.
7. Don't get a haircut on a Wednesday
If you've ever tried to get a haircut on a Wednesday in Thailand, you may have noticed that most hair salons and barbers are closed.
Indeed, Thais believe that it is bad luck to cut their hair on a Wednesday.
The origin of this superstition comes from the fact that in the past, the king and the royal family had their hair cut on Wednesdays.
It was therefore forbidden for ordinary people to cut their hair on the same day.
Some people also consider Wednesday a propitious day for growth.
They therefore think that cutting their hair on that day is tantamount to suppressing the possibility of growing something.
8. Monitor lizards bring bad luck (and good luck)
Malayan monitor lizard
Many Thais believe that seeing a monitor lizard is bad luck, just like Westerners think black cats are a symbol of bad luck.
This is explained by the fact that monitor lizards roam around cemeteries and spirits can follow them to where people live.
Some people also believe that these lizards are bad luck because they steal chickens and eggs and can be a threat to small animals.
However, some Thais believe that monitor lizards symbolize wealth and fortune.
For these people, the presence of these gigantic lizards near their home is synonymous with good luck.
They can even feed the lizards to increase their luck.
9. Superstitions related to pregnancy
Photo: dw-lifestylefotografie
In Thailand, many superstitions and spiritual beliefs surround pregnancy.
The first superstition is that pregnant women should not attend funerals, as the evil spirits and ghosts from the cemeteries could frighten the unborn child.
It is also not recommended for pregnant women to sit on the stairs, as this could cause an obstruction to childbirth.
They should also avoid burying anything in the ground while they are pregnant, as it is thought that this would lead to a difficult childbirth.
In addition, pregnant women should not watch another pregnant woman give birth, as it would make their own delivery difficult.
10. Everything is written on your face
As in many Southeast Asian countries, physiognomy, the art of interpreting personality and behavior from outward appearance, is very prevalent in Thailand.
For example, you should not confide your secrets to someone who has a mole on their lower lip.
In addition, birthmarks also have a meaning.
Those who have one are considered old souls and have had past lives.
On the other hand, those who don't have a stain are new souls.
Conclusion
Some of these superstitions are a bit strange, even illogical.
However, they play an important role in Thai society.
Knowing these superstitions will be useful for interacting respectfully with your Thai acquaintances.
See also:
Do's and Don'ts in Thailand, essential things to know
What tourists should never do in Thailand
7 unique and strange laws in Thailand
Spirit houses in Thailand, to keep the good and ward off the bad
12 Signs that show you've been in Thailand for a long time
Source: The Thaiger
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