Superstition in Thailand has deep historical roots that conntect with the country’s cultural, religious, and social development. It all started with a blend of old spiritual beliefs, Hindu-Buddhist traditions, and local customs, coming together to create a rich set of practices that are still going strong today.
Superstition is a universal phenomenon, found in every culture and society around the world. While the beliefs and practices may differ, the core idea—linking certain actions, objects, or events to good or bad outcomes—remains consistent.
Today, we put the spotlight on traditional beliefs in Thailand.
In Thailand, people believe seeing certain animals, like a tokay gecko brings luck, while in Western cultures, a black cat crossing your path is seen as bad luck.
Let’s take a closer look at superstition in Thailand
Thai culture is full of fascinating traditions, and superstition is an important part of it. If you walk past a haunted house or hear someone talking about an unlucky number, you will realise that these beliefs are omnipresent.
Superstition may seem mystical, but it also influences daily life in Thailand.
If you understand these beliefs, you can better identify with Thai culture. Let’s explore some of the most interesting superstitions and how they affect modern life.
What superstitions exist in Thailand?
- Spirit / Ghost Houses
- House Blessing
- Numbers and Dates
- Amulets
- Rituals
- Haircut
- Rain on the wedding day
- Pregnant women
- Dreams and lottery
- Tokee Gecko
1. Superstition in homes and shops with ghost houses
One of the first things you will notice in Thailand are the ghost houses (also known as spirit houses). These little houses on a pillar are located in front of houses, shops and even skyscrapers.
They are meant to provide a place for the ghosts to stay and to keep them amused and away from the main building.
People make offerings such as food, drinks and flowers at these spirit houses. It is a daily practice that shows respect for the unseen. The companies believe that these rituals bring prosperity and protect against misfortune.
What is the meaning of spirit houses in Thailand?
Spirit houses, or “San Phra Phum” in Thai, are small structures commonly found in houses, shops, and temples in Thailand. They are considered homes for protective spirits and are believed to bring harmony, prosperity, and safety to the inhabitants.
2. House Blessing – Key Elements of Tambun Ban
Another common superstition is Tambun Ban translates to “making merit for the house” in English. It is a traditional Thai ceremony performed to bring blessings, good fortune, and protection to a home and its residents.
Purpose:
Tambun Ban is about blessing a home and bringing good vibes, protection, and luck to the people living there. It’s a way to start fresh, show gratitude, and share the moment with family and friends while making merit together.
Monk Involvement:
Buddhist monks are invited to the house to perform prayers and rituals. They chant sacred texts (sutras) and sprinkle holy water to bless the home.
Offerings:
Homeowners prepare offerings, including food, flowers, and incense, for the monks. A meal is s served for the monks, often followed by giving donations.
Tambun Ban is more than just a traditional house consecration – it is a beautiful way to fill the home with love and positive energy. In Thailand, many people see this ritual as an opportunity to give thanks for the good things in life, to protect the home from negative influences and to promote the well-being of the family.
3. The power of numbers and dates
Numbers play a significant role in Thai superstition.
In Thailand, the number 9 is considered extremely lucky and holds significant cultural importance. It is associated with progress, success, and resilience, as its pronunciation (“kao or gao”) is similar to the word for “moving forward” or “advancing.” Additionally, “kao” also means “rice,” which is a staple of Thai cuisine and holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Due to these meanings, the number 9 is revered, and many Thais are willing to pay a premium for items, like license plates, that feature this number.
Number 8 is considered lucky, associated with prosperity, it stands for wealth and success and is often used in company names.
Number 13 is considered unlucky, albeit characterised by the Western world. This belief is less widespread in Thai culture. It is rarely seen as a room number in hotels.
Number 89 is considered extremely lucky, associated with progress and prosperity. A combination of two positive numbers that is often used in licence plates and telephone numbers.
The number 99 is extremely auspicious, the double ‘9’ reinforces progress and luck, often seen in price quotations and trade marks.
License plates featuring the number 9 are incredibly popular, and some people are willing to pay a lot of money. A license plate with quadruple 9s, a license plate featuring four 9s, could cost you around 11 million Thai Baht (ca. 350.000 Euro)
Choosing the right date for important events is also very important. In Thailand, there is even a favourable date for buying a car, on which astrologers or monks are consulted to ensure good luck and safety. They believe that the right date can make a big difference to success and happiness.
4. Personal amulets
Certain objects have a strong meaning in Thai culture. Amulets, for example, are very popular and are worn for protection and good luck. These small amulets are blessed by monks and are said to protect the wearer from harm.
5. Rituals and ceremonies for important events
Superstition not only exists in everyday life, but also plays a major role in important events. For example, when someone buys a new car, it is customary to have it blessed by monks. This ritual is intended to protect the driver and passengers from accidents.
Another example is the practice of consulting spirit mediums for important decisions. Families or business owners turn to these individuals for advice from the spirit world. Whether it is a marriage, a new job or the purchase of a property, these rituals are taken seriously. We will elaborate on the topic later.
Some superstitions, which were once widely believed, are now seen more as lighthearted customs or old beliefs that aren’t taken too seriously in modern times.
6. Why do Thais avoid cutting their hair on Wednesdays?
This is hardly upheld anymore today, but still interesting to know.
In Thai culture, there is a traditional belief that cutting hair on a Wednesday brings bad luck. Historically, Wednesday was reserved for royal ceremonies, including haircuts for the royal family. Ordinary people avoided cutting their hair on this day as a sign of respect and to avoid appearing to challenge royal customs.
While nowadays, very few barbershops and hair salons close on Wednesdays to honor this belief, others, especially in urban areas, remain open to cater to modern lifestyles. The superstition, though less strictly followed today, still influences decisions for some.
7. Weddings and rain
It is believed that rain on the wedding day brings blessings and wealth to the couple. Couples see this as a positive sign, even if it is unpleasant for them.
8. Pregnant women
In Thai culture, it is generally believed that pregnant women should avoid attending funerals. This belief is rooted in traditional Thai superstitions about protecting both the mother and the unborn child from negative influences or spirits associated with death.
Thai superstition holds that spirits of the deceased might follow the pregnant woman or harm the unborn child, as they are believed to be more vulnerable during this time.
Pregnancy symbolizes new life, while funerals represent the end of life. Mixing the two is often seen as inauspicious.
9. Dreams and lottery numbers
Thais are often inspired by dreams when playing the lottery. Dreaming about certain animals or events can influence the choice of numbers. This practice is taken seriously by many who play the lottery regularly.
10. Tokeh/Tokay Gecko (Tokee)
Tokeh is a type of gecko, also known as the “Tokay Gecko.” It is commonly found in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. The Tokay Gecko is famous for its distinctive call, which sounds like “to-kay,” hence the name. These geckos are often quite large, with vibrant colors and a robust build. They are known for their territorial behavior and loud vocalizations, which make them easily recognizable. In Thai culture, the Tokay Gecko is sometimes considered a symbol of good luck.
https://www.thainationalparks.com/species/gekko-gecko
How superstition came about
Thai superstition is a mixture of Buddhism, animism and folk beliefs. Many beliefs are linked to respect for spirits or the avoidance of bad luck. These traditions have been passed down for generations and are still part of daily life.
The earliest inhabitants of what is now Thailand practiced animism, a belief that spirits inhabited natural objects, animals, and phenomena. This belief system laid the groundwork for many of Thailand’s superstitions.
Thai superstitions are not just unusual, they are also an insight into the soul of the culture. From haunted houses in front of skyscrapers to amulets hidden in pockets, these beliefs are everywhere.
Even though Thailand has rapidly modernized, this belief is still strong. It can be seen in homes, businesses and even at government events. It is not just about the fear of misfortune, but also about maintaining harmony between the visible and invisible worlds.
Why superstition is still important today
You might wonder why this belief still persists in a world dominated by technology and science. For many Thais, superstition provides a sense of security and a connection to their roots. Additionally, through shared traditions and rituals, they contribute to building a sense of community. Superstition is a way of aligning modern life with cultural heritage. Even younger generations respect and follow many of these practices.
Here are some tips on how to respect Thai superstitions
Respect the spirit houses: Never touch or move the offerings at these small shrines. They hold deep meaning for the locals.
Avoid stepping on money: The Thai currency features the image of the King, and stepping on it is considered highly disrespectful.
Refrain from pointing your feet at people or sacred objects: In Thai culture, the feet are considered the lowest part of the body, and it is seen as disrespectful to point them at others, especially at religious symbols.
Be open to new things: If you’re unsure about a custom, ask politely. Thais are usually happy to explain their traditions.
When living in a country other than your homeland, I believe it’s important to respect the local customs. Perhaps this article will also help you understand them better. You don’t have to personally believe in the superstitions, but you should respect and acknowledge them.
These small peculiarities give everyday life in Thailand its unique charm.
It should really be all quite obvious, but unfortunately, farangs in Thailand sometimes behave completely out of line. Never forget that you are a guest in this beautiful country. Even if you pay for something, it doesn’t give you the right to behave inappropriately or rudely. Thais deeply appreciate it when people respect their culture and are polite—that’s all, and it’s not difficult at all.