Thai Superstitions

As with any culture in any country, there are customs and rituals and Thailand is no different. The Thai superstitions are practised in daily life and deeply embedded in the Thai culture. Times are changing and unlike previous generations, the younger Thais do not follow all the Thai superstitions. Below is a guide to some of the common and not so common Thai superstitions.

Money Thai Superstitions

Thai baht is the local currency and the King is imprinted on the money. Should you drop your money do not stand on it. Stepping on money is highly offence to the King of Thailand.

Ghostly Spirits

Whistling after dark is frowned upon in Thailand. If you whistle after dark you are calling bad spirits.
Do not tread on the threshold of the doorway. Step over the threshold, Thais believe you are encouraging spirits to enter the building. The Thai beliefs hold superstition and strong beliefs about bad spirits surrounding them.

New Babies Thai Superstitions

Welcoming a new baby to the family is a joyous time worldwide. When a new baby is born it is good luck to greet the baby saying they are adorable and unpleasant. If you don’t say it a ghost spirit will snatch the baby away. Thai superstitions wishing a baby unpleasant says the baby will grow into a beautiful adult.

Road Side Shrines

Hearing the honking of horns on road curves tourists think it is a safety warning for other drivers. Drivers believe that the shrines along many of Koh Samui’s roads have the souls the departed living within the area. Honking the car horn as you pass a roadside shrine is a sign of respect for lost souls.

Geckos and Snakes

If you hear a Gecko behind you when leaving your home, it is bad luck. You should not go out if you believe the superstition. It is a superstition you will have something bad happen to you. The sound of the Gecko is the warning of danger. Dreaming about snakes wrapping themselves around your body means you will find a new love interest. If you are a couple it means someone has a crush on you.

Have you any unusual rituals or beliefs to share? Do you know any strange Thai superstitions? Have you made a cultural mistake good or bad? Share your comments and thoughts below.