About amulets and spirit houses, Thai superstitions
The belief in supernatural powers and evil spirits ensures that a Thai believes that the spirits must be kept happy. If they do not, these evil spirits can cause disaster such as illness and accidents. Thais protect themselves against evil spirits with spirit houses, amulets and medallions.
Discover the spiritual heart of Thailand: a free e-book guides you to 60 special places
Widely known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, Thailand now invites travelers to take a deeper dive into its spiritual roots. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presents a unique e-book that guides readers through 60 spiritual sites, from sacred caves to city pillars. This guide unlocks the hidden spiritual wealth of the country.
Ganesh: Belief, superstition, commerce
Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god, is popular in Thailand. The commercial sector eagerly uses or abuses it. What makes this deity so attractive: his eccentric appearance?
About ghosts, phantoms, ghosts and other creeps…
Belief in ghosts, phantoms, specters and other supernatural phenomena is more vibrant than ever in Thailand. The concern to keep 'those across the street' happy or at least satisfied leaves traces throughout society. Ghosts are serious business in Thailand, so I'd like to take a quick look at some of the most notable inhabitants of Thailand's very diverse and very colorful ghost kingdom.
Discover Thailand (11): Animism (belief in ghosts)
Animism is an ancient form of religion that sees nature as animate and sentient. It is a belief that every living thing has a soul. This means that even things like trees, rivers and mountains have a soul according to the animist tradition. These souls are seen as guardian spirits who help to make life run in harmony.
Spirited Thailand: a few tips…
For those of you, dear readers who are now expecting a contribution about Lao Khao or other spirit-rich distillates: a pity but alas… Today I would like to take a moment to reflect on the Thai taste for the morbid, which is difficult for Westerners to grasp, and their special connection with the spirit realm.
Superstitions in Thailand
In certain parts of Thailand (North and Northeast), Animism plays a more important role than Buddhism. Superstitions can sometimes take on strange forms, as this list of examples shows.
Fortune teller, a gold mine in Thailand
Thais are very superstitious. They believe in ghosts and in influencing luck. Thai also believe that some people are able to predict the future.
It's almost an obsession: Looking for lucky numbers
Twenty million Thais play in an illegal lottery twice a month. They consult spirits, such as Mae Nak, or visit the 'Tree of the 100 Corpses'. This is how you give luck a helping hand.
Kuman Thong – The legend of Khun Chang Khun Phaen
It is clear that superstition plays an important role in Thai culture. Just look at the many ghost houses. Animism, the belief in ghosts, goes quite far. Thai believe in good spirits that protect you and can bring you good luck, but the fear of evil spirits is much greater. A good spirit is the spirit of an unborn child: Kuman Tong.
10 questions and answers about ghosts and superstitions
What should you do if your dog starts whining at 2 a.m.? What's the easiest way to see a ghost? For some/most/all Thais, these questions shouldn't be too hard, but readers of Thailandblog will have more trouble with them. In this posting 10 questions about Thai ghosts and supernatural beliefs.
The colored days of the week in Thailand
Have you ever noticed that on certain days many adult men and women are dressed in a pink shirt, polo or blouse? How could it be?
How do you deal with your Thai partner's superstitions? My girlfriend is very superstitious and regularly causes disagreements and sometimes arguments. I'm pretty flexible I think. I don't get in her way when it comes to the Buddhist faith, but I can't get used to all that superstitious nonsense.
The “Naga” fireballs
Towards the end of Vassa, the annual Buddhist celebration of the end of the rainy season, a mysterious phenomenon occurs on the mighty Mekong River in Nong Khai province.
Reader question: Thai superstitions
We all know that Thais are rather (strongly) superstitious, for example not going to the hairdresser on Wednesday. Yesterday I was visiting Bangkok Hospital and I noticed that the number 13 is missing from the payment counters. Nice to hear what you have come across in this regard.
Thai media go wild on superstition in deadly train / bus accident
The collision between a coach and a freight train that killed at least 19 people in Chachoengsao last Sunday sparked yet more debate over safety and blame. Some mainstream media outlets tell their readers that paranormal activity must have been involved.
Superstition is deeply rooted in many Thai people. Poet Phra Suthorn Vohara (Sunthom Phu) dedicated a poem to it in which a warrior threatened to be poisoned by his pregnant wife. He cut it open and ripped out the fetus, holding it in front of the fire and casting a spell. The spirit of the fetus would have helped him further and warned him of dangers from the enemy. The man named the ghost Kuman Thong, which means "Golden Child".