Categories > Guides and Tips

15 Unique Thai Superstitions for the Curious
- Amulets possess sacred powers
- Avoid haircuts on Wednesdays
- Whoever finishes the last piece gets lucky
- If you dream of a snake, you will meet your soulmate
- Bird droppings and lizard sounds bring bad luck
- Complimenting a baby attracts ghosts that may take it
- Looking between your legs can attract bad luck
- Singing in the kitchen leads to an old husband
- Don’t play hide and seek after sunset
- Honk near shrines or curves while driving
- Virgin women can control rain
- Pregnant women shouldn't attend funerals
- Damaged gifts bring bad luck to the giver
- Pointing at a rainbow causes finger loss
Thailand, a country rich in culture and tradition, is also home to a fascinating array of unique superstitions that have been passed down through generations. These superstitions often reflect the deep spiritual beliefs and cultural nuances of the Thai people.
In this compilation, we’ll explore some of the most intriguing and distinctive Thai superstitions! Read on as we shed light on the mystical beliefs that continue to influence daily life in this enchanting Southeast Asian nation!
Amulets possess sacred powers

Amulets in Thailand, known as phra krueng or phra pidta, are pretty darn important in the country’s culture and spirituality. It’s not just about looking cool; these little things are deeply tied to Thai beliefs and traditions, and they’ve got a bunch of meanings and jobs.
So, way back in time, these amulets started out as containers for relics of respected monks or sacred texts. But as time did its thing, they started doing more than just holding stuff.
One big gig for them is protection. People think wearing an amulet can keep them safe from all sorts of bad stuff like accidents and negative vibes.
Some even specialise in protecting against black magic and spooky spirits.
But here’s the twist: amulets are like a hotline to spiritual VIPs. Wearing one is like saying, “Hey, I’m friends with these enlightened folks,” and it’s believed to bring their blessings and mojo into your life.
That’s why you’ll find Thai locals collecting them like rare trading cards, and true believers never leave home without their trusty amulet.
Local tip:
There are different types of amulets designed for specific purposes. For example, some amulets are created to enhance one’s charisma or attractiveness, while others are meant to improve one’s financial situation.
People often choose amulets based on their personal goals and needs.
Avoid haircuts on Wednesdays

In Thailand, cultural beliefs and superstitions play a big role in shaping everyday customs and rituals, and one curious belief is the no-haircut rule on Wednesdays. This tradition is like an old family recipe, passed down through the generations.
Now, here’s the twist: this no-haircut rule has its roots in astrology and ancient Thai customs. See, in Thai astrology, each day of the week has a special connection to a planet and a deity.
Wednesday’s the star of the show, linked to the planet Mercury and the Hindu deity Budh (or Phra Phuttha Budhha in Thai). Budh’s like the guru of communication, smarts, and wit.
The thing is, Thais believe that if you trim your hair on a Wednesday, you might mess with Budh’s mojo in your life. It’s like cutting off the Wi-Fi to your brain’s intellect and communication skills.
Thailand’s all about steering clear of anything that could bring bad luck. So, snipping your hair on a Wednesday? It’s a red flag for potential bad juju.
What to Do Instead:
To avoid the potential “bad hair juju,” many Thais schedule their haircuts on other days of the week, particularly on Tuesdays or Thursdays, which are considered more auspicious for personal grooming activities.
Whoever finishes the last piece gets lucky

Ever been eyeing that last piece of food on the plate? In Thailand, there’s this cool belief that revolves around the last piece of something tasty – whether it’s the last bit of dessert, the final morsel of a delicious meal, or even the remaining bit of a shared dish.
This belief says that grabbing that coveted last piece can sprinkle a little extra luck and good vibes into your life.
Now, Thai culture (row 706) is all about sharing and generosity, especially at mealtime. It’s like a big family dinner, with everyone grabbing food from the same plates.
But here’s the magic: when you snatch that last piece, it’s like opening a door to good fortune. It’s like saying, “Come on in, good luck!”
So, it’s not just about getting the last bite; it’s about inviting positivity and all-around good vibes into your life. Pretty sweet, right?
Local tip:
Embracing this superstition can also lead to culinary adventures. You might find yourself trying new foods or desserts in the hope of being the fortunate one to savor the last bite.
If you dream of a snake, you will meet your soulmate

Now, in lots of cultures, snakes are like those enigmatic symbols with a million meanings. They can stand for change, starting fresh, or even danger. But in Thai superstition, it’s all about the sunny side of the street!
For Thais, dreaming of a snake is a bit like finding a hidden treasure because it’s believed to be a unique and intriguing sign – the possibility of meeting your soulmate.
Local tip:
It’s important to note that interpretations of dreams, including those involving snakes, can vary among individuals and cultures.
Not everyone in Thailand believes that a snake dream indicates a soulmate, but it remains a fascinating and positive aspect of Thai superstition for those who do.
Bird droppings and lizard sounds bring bad luck

Picture this: you’re strolling through a beautiful Thai garden, and suddenly, a bird decides to drop a “gift” on your shoulder. Yikes, right?
According to Thai superstition, this isn’t just an unfortunate accident; it’s bad luck raining down on you from above!
And if you hear lizard noises, that’s not good news either. Keep an umbrella handy, folks – you never know when the skies might turn against you.
What to Do Instead:
To counteract the bad luck, some Thais may engage in rituals or practices, such as seeking blessings from monks or performing cleansing ceremonies.
Complimenting a baby attracts ghosts that may take it

In Thailand, people are so careful with their compliments that they’ve turned praise into a superstition! It’s believed that if you call a baby cute or beautiful, you might unwittingly attract the attention of mischievous ghosts.
You see, in Thai culture, infants and young children are seen as especially vulnerable to the supernatural. It’s like they have a “ghost magnet” or something.
So, if you go and praise a baby’s looks, it’s believed that spirits or ghosts might think, “Hey, what’s all the fuss about?” and decide to check out the baby.
And that could lead to some spooky disruptions or mischief in the little one’s life.
Thais are known for their deep cultural sensitivity and respect for traditions. So, not showering compliments on a baby’s appearance is like a way of keeping them safe and respecting these supernatural beliefs.
What to Do Instead:
To prevent the attention of spirits, people often use phrases like “not cute” or “not beautiful” when discussing a baby’s appearance. These reverse compliments are believed to counteract the unintended effects of positive praise.
In some cases, protective rituals or amulets may be used to shield babies from malevolent spirits. These rituals are performed by monks or spiritual practitioners to create a protective barrier around the child.
Looking between your legs can attract bad luck

In Thailand, they’ve got a saying: “Don’t look between your legs.” Now, before you wonder why anyone would do that in the first place, let’s clarify.
Don’t worry, it’s not about your anatomy; it’s about avoiding bad luck. In Thai superstition, peeking between your legs is like taking a glimpse into the unknown or the invisible.
It’s thought that doing this can throw off the balance and harmony in your life, and it might even invite some not-so-great vibes your way.
What to Do Instead:
Some people in Thailand may take additional steps to counteract the potential negative effects of looking between their legs. This might include engaging in rituals, wearing protective amulets, or seeking blessings from monks or spiritual practitioners.
Singing in the kitchen leads to an old husband

When you’re single and if you’ve ever thought about serenading while you cook, you might want to think twice.
Here’s the scoop: Thais believe that singing while in the kitchen down is thought to be a surefire way to end up with an older husband.
Now, singing is usually seen as something that draws people in, like a magnet for attraction and entertainment. So, this belief might suggest that if you belt out a tune while in the kitchen, you could catch the eye of someone older who appreciates your talents.
It’s a playful twist on the idea of how little things can shape your destiny, even when you’re just having a meal. Who knew singing at dinner could have such interesting consequences?
What to Do Instead:
Singing is a beloved pastime in Thailand, and karaoke is a popular form of entertainment. If you enjoy singing, you’ll likely have ample opportunities to showcase your talents in a more appropriate setting, such as a karaoke bar.
Don’t play hide and seek after sunset

Hide and seek is a classic childhood game, right? Well, in Thailand, they’ve got a twist on this tradition.
The rule is simple: no hide and seek after sunset. Why? It’s not just to keep the kids inside before dark.
Thai superstition says that playing hide and seek at night could attract wandering spirits or mischievous ghosts. Many Thai folks take these supernatural entities seriously, especially after the sun goes down.
Note:
Beyond the supernatural aspect, there may be safety considerations as well. Playing hide and seek in the dark could increase the risk of accidents or injuries, which adds an additional layer of motivation for adhering to this superstition.
Honk near shrines or curves while driving

In Thailand, driving is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s a cultural adventure. One unique superstition is that you should honk your horn when passing near a shrine or navigating a curve in the road.
The belief that honking near shrines or curves can alert spirits is tied to Thai animistic beliefs. They think that spirits might hang out in natural spots like curves or at holy places like shrines.
So, when you honk, it’s like giving these spirits a heads-up and showing them some respect. Some Thais even believe that by honking near shrines, they’re kind of buying spiritual insurance.
Note:
If you ever find yourself driving in Thailand, don’t be surprised if you hear a chorus of honks near shrines or curves – it’s all part of the local driving etiquette and cultural tapestry.
Virgin women can control rain

Who needs a meteorologist when you have virgin women, right? In Thai folklore, it’s believed that virgin women have the power to control rain.
They say that if a virgin woman bathes in a river during a drought, it will summon rain. On the other hand, some folks believe that virgin women possess a unique power to put a stop to the downpour!
If you’re hoping to keep the rain at bay and enjoy a sunny day, the quirky solution is to gift a virgin lady some lemongrass and ask her to plant it in the ground (a ritual known as “ปักตะไคร้” or Yĕb takhịr̂).
Note:
This belief reflects the cultural significance of purity and the role of women in Thai society. Virginity has historically been highly valued in many cultures, and in this folklore, it is associated with a kind of spiritual power.
Pregnant women shouldn’t attend funerals

In Thailand, there’s an unusual superstition that pregnant women should steer clear of funerals. It’s believed that attending a funeral while pregnant can bring bad luck to both the baby and the mother.
The idea behind avoiding funerals is rooted in the belief that these events can be filled with sorrow and distress, and being in such an environment might expose the baby and mother to negative energy.
It’s seen as a way to protect them from potentially harmful influences during a period when their health and well-being are of utmost importance.
What to Do Instead:
If you wish to express your condolences to the grieving family, you can do so privately or in a separate setting. This allows you to show respect and offer your support without necessarily attending the funeral.
Damaged gifts bring bad luck to the giver

Ever received a gift that was accidentally damaged during delivery? In Thailand, this isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s also believed to bring bad luck to the person who gave the gift.
In Thai culture, a gift isn’t just a physical item; it carries with it the sentiments and intentions of the giver. So, if a gift is damaged, it might be seen as a sign of carelessness or disrespect, which can potentially disrupt the positive energy associated with the act of giving.
What to Do Instead:
If you’re sending gifts to friends in Thailand, taking extra care to ensure they arrive in pristine condition can be a thoughtful gesture that not only avoids potential curses but also demonstrates your respect for Thai traditions and cultural beliefs.
Pointing at a rainbow causes finger loss

Rainbows are undeniably captivating, but in Thailand, pointing at one is considered risky business. Local superstition warns that if you point your finger at a rainbow, you might end up losing that finger as it is considered by some as a form of disrespect toward the natural world!
Moreover, rainbows are often viewed as awe-inspiring natural wonders with symbolic significance in many cultures. In Thai culture, they might carry specific meanings related to luck, blessings, or the appreciation of natural beauty.
What to Do Instead:
If you are in Thailand and believe you may have unintentionally disrespected local beliefs, you can consider engaging in a gesture of respect. For example, you might make an offering at a local temple or engage in a traditional Thai blessing ceremony to seek goodwill and balance.