Thailand is deeply superstitious — understanding common beliefs helps make sense of everyday Thai behaviour.
9 is the luckiest number (neung means 'to proceed'); 13 is also lucky (Western bad luck doesn't apply); car plates, phone numbers, and addresses with 9s command premiums.
Each day of the week has a colour — wearing the 'right' colour on the right day is lucky; Monday = yellow; Tuesday = pink; Friday = blue.
Every property has one; must be respected and offered to; repositioning a spirit house requires a ceremony.
Thai ghost beliefs are pervasive — Phi Krasue (floating head), Phi Tai Hong (person who died suddenly), Phi Pop (possession spirit); taken seriously across all social classes.
Worn by millions of Thais — blessed by monks, sold at temple markets; believed to protect against accidents, attract luck, improve business; an enormous cultural institution.
