5 Strange and Shocking Thai Traditions That Will Leave You Amazed
Thailand is known for its rich culture, spectacular landscapes, and delicious cuisine.
But, under the surface lies many traditions that may appear strange and even shocking to outsiders. In this article, we look into five unusual Thai traditions. These have been practiced for generations. Each tradition sheds light on the cultural complexities that make Thailand a truly unique place.
Photo: pexels-brother-long-foto
1. Thai Monkey College
One of Thailand's weirdest traditions is Thani Monkey College's existence. It is where native monkeys receive an education in the art of performing street tricks. The monkeys also learn to collect coconuts. Yes, you read that right, monkeys in college!
These intelligent primates are trained to entertain and help with harvesting coconuts. It's a tradition that reflects the close connection between humans and animals in Thai culture. These monkeys play an integral role in the daily lives of people.
flickr/x_drdak/Xavier Drdak
Freepik
2. Ghostly Beliefs
Many Thai families firmly believe in the presence of ghosts and supernatural spirits. This belief is deeply rooted in Thai folklore and culture. Spirits are thought to inhabit natural elements, objects, and even people.
Therefore, it's common to see small spirit houses outside homes and businesses. These houses are dedicated to calming supernatural beings. Thai ghost stories are not just tales to entertain; they are a part of daily life.
Photo: thaiworldview.com
3. Royal Reverence: Take Their King and Queen Seriously
The Thai revere their King and queen so much. Locals like to display their King’s photos in their houses. Thailand takes its monarchy very seriously. There are strict protocols regarding how one should behave in the presence of the King and Queen.
But, Thai reverence for their monarchs goes so far. They avoid touching the royal family out of superstition, respect, or fear. This tradition was taken to extremes in the early 19th century when the Queen drowned in water. Her death resulted from believing that touching the royal person would bring bad luck. It led to an unfortunate and tragic outcome. flickr/manhhai
4. The Sacred and the Soiled: Head and Feet
In Thai culture, the difference between the head and feet is not just anatomical; it's deeply symbolic. The feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body, both figuratively and literally.Â
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Thus, it is considered highly impolite to point your feet at another person or even touch them with your feet. Contrarily, the head is seen as the body's purest and most sacred part. As a result, touching someone's head, especially a child's, is a major taboo in Thai society.
Photo: pixabay/sasint
5. Don't step on the BAHT
Thailand's currency, the Baht, holds a special place in the hearts of its people. So much so that stepping on it, even by mistake, is considered a crime.
The Thai Baht features an image of the King. This further highlights the deep respect for the monarchy. Criminals who accidentally dirty the currency may face legal effects or at the very least, dislike from the locals.
Photo: pixabay/pereslavl
Thailand's rich and varied culture is a treasure trove of traditions. These can be both fascinating and puzzling for outsiders. It ranges from educating monkeys in college to deep beliefs in ghosts. These five unusual Thai traditions offer a glimpse into a culture that values spirituality. While they may seem shocking, these traditions are integral to what makes Thailand a truly charming and mysterious destination.
Thailand\'s rich and varied culture is a treasure trove of traditions. These can be both fascinating and puzzling for outsiders. It ranges from educating monkeys in college to deep beliefs in ghosts. These five unusual Thai traditions offer a glimpse into a culture that values spirituality. While they may seem shocking, these traditions are integral to what makes Thailand a truly charming and mysterious destination.
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Editor Kurnia Azizah
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Thailand is known for its rich culture, spectacular landscapes, and delicious cuisine.
