If you're thinking about a present to buy your Thai girlfriend, read this first. What you might think is a lovely gift, could actually be a bad omen.
We all know Thailand is a superstitious place. While many Thais believe in spirits and rubbing sacred trees to find lottery numbers, some take superstition to another level.
Some Thais live a life controlled by superstition, a life where one wrong move can bring with it a twist of fate that damages one's potential for love, happiness and future prosperity.
Indeed, there are many actions a person can take to bring about bad luck. So, what happens when your love interest comes along and totally rains on your karma with an inappropriate present?
There you were thinking you were being kind and romantic, when in fact you were summoning all kinds of unworldly beings to cast their bad luck over your unsuspecting partner.
Yes, your beautiful present, intended to woo the socks off of your sweetheart, could quickly turn her smile to a frown.
To avoid garnering an unwanted reaction, here’s a list of 11 gifts you should never give to your Thai girlfriend.
Please Note: This is meant to be an entertaining post and not to be taken too seriously. Some of these superstitions are very old, and for most Thais likely considered something their grandmother would have told them about. I'm sure your partner will love whatever you buy him/her.
Furthermore, you'll be pleased to know that there is an easy way to reverse the bad omen. Read on…
11 Gifts You Should Never Buy Your Thai Girlfriend
1. A Watch or Clock: นาฬิกา / naa-lí-gaa
A watch, especially one of the designer variety, may seem like a wonderful present, a sure way to bring a smile to a woman’s face. However, in Thai culture, gifting a watch might be interpreted as a negative symbol, implying that the relationship is on borrowed time, so to speak. The watch may stop ticking, at which point the relationship may come to an end!
2. A Pair of Shoes: รองเท้า / rawng táao
A woman’s best friend, right? Not when it comes to buying a present for your girlfriend. In fact, this applies to a woman buying shoes for a man too. You see, shoes come in pairs but are easily separated.
One can easily misplace or lose a shoe and then the other is rendered useless. And for a couple who are dating but not living together, this omen could cause the relationship to break up and the couple to be easily parted, just like a lost shoe.
Moreover, shoes are associated with the ground and dirt. The act of giving shoes may symbolize “looking down” on the recipient or bringing them down in status.
3. Sharp Objects: ของมีคม / kăwng mii kom
This is something a lot of Thais do still believe in. In Thailand, you shouldn’t pass a sharp object to someone, but instead put it down and allow them to pick it up. Certainly don’t go near your Thai girlfriend with a knife in the kitchen late at night, because a ghost may redirect your hand suddenly and plunge it into her! But that’s another belief altogether.
Just remember that giving a sharp object as a gift, like a set of knives, scissors or garden secateurs, is considered to bring the receiver danger and bad luck. Furthermore sharp objects can be seen as a symbol of cutting ties or relationships. The act of giving a sharp object may be interpreted as a wish for separation or the creation of discord, and it can be considered bad luck.
4. A Bottle of Perfume: น้ำหอม / náam-hăwm
I have made this mistake, but luckily my wife (girlfriend at the time) isn’t too superstitious. You see, the scent of perfume fades away quickly, and to give perfume to your girlfriend may cause a metaphoric reaction in the same way.
Your love will fade in the wind like the fading of the sweet scent of perfume. Ahhh, how wonderfully poetic. I do love Thais for their sense of romance!
5. A Photograph of Yourself: รูปถ่าย / rûup-tàai
While Thais love a selfie, don’t for a moment think giving your Thai girlfriend a picture of yourself is a good idea. Why? Because a photo is a memory, silly! This signifies being apart and having only a photo of you to cry herself/himself to sleep at night. Boo, hoo 🙁 .
It may also be considered egocentric. Thai cultural norms often emphasize humility and modesty, and presenting a picture of oneself might be perceived as self-centered behavior.
6. Tissues or a Handkerchief: ผ้าเช็ดหน้า / pâa-chét-nâa
Never offer your Thai girlfriend a handkerchief, or bring home a pack of Hello Kitty tissues as a present. “Why”? I hear you ask. Because a handkerchief is used for wiping tears, indicating that you or someone else will soon make your tiirak (darling) cry.
7. Black Clothes: เสื้อผ้าสีดำ / sûea-pâa sǐi dam
Black is the colour of sadness, of death, of mourning. Some Thais believe that gifting an item of black clothing means that you will attend their funeral, possibly in the near future. Spooky!
8. Presents Made of Glass: เครื่องแก้ว / krûeang gâew
Seems like a nice gift, a crystal decanter, or a set of tumblers, perhaps. But no! Because if your Thai girlfriend breaks glassware that you have given her as a present, your relationship shall also be broken by the… ummm… broken glassware relationship gods?
Avoid objects of fragility and gift something durable instead.
9. Certain Types of Flowers: ดอกไม้ / doc maǐ
Most flowers will get you the hugs and kisses you desire, but whatever you do don’t buy marigolds or carnations, as Thais associate these flowers with funerals. Avoid lotus flowers, too, because even though pretty and “homme” (smell nice), these are reserved for worshipping Buddha images and other highly-revered deities.
When choosing flowers for a romantic gesture or any other occasion, popular choices include orchids, roses and lilies. These flowers are generally well-received and do not carry negative cultural connotations
10. A Comb or Hairbrush: หวี / wǐi
The bad luck associated with giving a comb as a gift is one of my favourites. It is as if someone once sat down and decided to identify random objects to see how they could be interpreted as bad love omens.
I mean, come on, just because the teeth of a comb part as they run through your hair, surely this doesn’t mean that giving a comb as a present will cause two people to part ways, does it?
I think I’ll nip into Big C and buy a comb for the wife on the way home and put it to the test. Hehe.
11. A Brooch: เข็มกลัด / kĕm-glàt
Last on the list of gifts not to buy your Thai girlfriend is a brooch. A beautiful accessory perhaps, but to buy a gift for your girlfriend that is sharp and to be worn near the heart is to metaphorically stab her in the heart and create emotional pain.
The evil brooch brings with it arguments, bitterness and sadness, and without doubt a tear-jerking end to your relationship.
How to Reverse the Bad Luck!
If you ever make of these cultural gift faux pas and find yourself sleeping on the sofa with a moody Thai girlfriend moping in the next room, don’t despair. Like most aspects of Thai culture, there is a “mai bpen rai” (never mind) get out clause.
To reverse the bad luck and prevent a relationship meltdown, simply tell your girlfriend to pay you for the gift. Yes, it’s that simple!
By giving you a small amount of money, say 5 or 10 Baht, this turns the gift into a purchase, and therefore takes away all the associated bad luck.
How silly 🙂
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What has been your experience with gift-giving in Thailand?
Last Updated on
Wei says
Apr 06, 2018 at 6:55 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 09, 2018 at 8:46 pm
Jethro says
Mind you, she did ask for a few of them when I asked what she would like as a special prezzy. BUT.. She has never offered to give me any money back!
She is a bit "rural", but maybe a tiddly bit more "enlightened" than some :)
She knows that it's just superstition, and we always talk about how our friends would receive any particular gift according to their beliefs.
It can be very important to discuss what gifts you give to each person so that the gift has the right result – make them happy, rather than make them feel you haven’t thought about it. But if you give them Thornton’s chocolates – Never any problem :)
Jan 22, 2018 at 2:28 am
albert says
Sep 27, 2017 at 4:32 am
TheThailandLife says
Sep 28, 2017 at 11:45 pm
Michael says
No combs, knives or sharp edged things! Perfume, a necklace and some lingerie that I think she actually requested. That said I will check first.
From my POV, unlike some, or at least quite a few western males of 70 years or more I have never shown interest in women that could be my daughter ?
And my so, I looked and have now established firm SKYPE relationship with a gorgeous woman of 60 ! So I hope she will not be concerned about superstition ? I will ask before putting 2feet in mouth? Thanks again, Michael....
Feb 18, 2017 at 9:12 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 19, 2017 at 1:19 am
Hong says
I'm Thai who's been spending time reading about Japanese culture so much I neglected my own. It's refreshing to read all these trivia from non-native and realize from this post that there are several customs in this country which I haven't noticed or completely forgot. I truly appreciate your observation and effort to understand Thai people and cultures.
Frankly, as a Thai-Chinese I know only several of these lists that they are superstitiously inappropriate to give as gifts. But yes, I do remember or think some of the lists as a definitely no-no.
2. Shoes: personally, this is the most sensible choice of all. It's hard to find a pair of perfect female shoes which don't make her feet hurt! (รองเท้ากัด) We don't wear knee boots here so if there's something slightly wrong, we can't wear socks with those beautiful, expensive ballet flat or heels. : (
Unless, you pay for her at the store. hehe
3. Sharp objects: receiving it is perceived as bad omen. Funnily, at the same time I was told that it would be fine, if you give some money (like one baht) to the giver as if you are buying the thing from him/her for แก้เคล็ด. : )
5. A photograph of yourself: I once received this in a cheap pastel-color plastic frame. Without any superstitious belief, it still was one of the worst gift EVER!
6. Handkerchief: My friend and I gave handkerchief to one another sometimes but it's out of choice for older people. They receive them nevertheless.
7. Black clothes: definitely is not for a gift, unless it's cocktail dress. However, older people doesn't appreciate seeing black clothes in general. They would love to see at least some white spots or anything color. And apart from funeral, I haven't seen grandma wears black suits even once.
As for 1.Clock, I received a watch (not Cartier) as a gift from my uncle. It was one of the most expensive things I got from him. So yes, I agree that it seems that it is the ultimate gift. : )
It seems we are newer generation.
Best wishes,
Jun 11, 2016 at 4:28 am
TheThailandLife says
Jun 12, 2016 at 8:27 am
Rick says
Jun 20, 2016 at 5:43 am
TheThailandLife says
Jun 20, 2016 at 7:34 pm
James says
Jan 07, 2017 at 12:20 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 07, 2017 at 5:32 pm
Frank says
I think those traditions are maybe back in time, Thailand is changing and running too fast, yes traditions are still radical but also changing. So maybe you should reconsider some of your information.
But good blog any way.
Frank
May 10, 2016 at 1:02 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 10, 2016 at 11:21 pm
Antony says
I am sure this might be the case, if you marry some girl that just came off a rice paddy, but the Thai women I know, would be very happy to have a watch or perfume as a gift.
Jan 15, 2016 at 3:59 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 15, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Harold Adams says
Apr 01, 2016 at 7:25 am
MKP says
I love it love love it!!!
Welcome to Thailand. (ยินดีต้อนรับเข้าสู่ประเทศไทยนะคะ)
Honestly , If you buy perfume,shoes,watch and they are Hi-end or counter brand, all Thai girls like it believe me because I do too(how can I not?) haha. Every girl likes luxury. But....it depends on the person. No one is perfectly same. There's difference to everyone.
One more thing, DO NOT buy lotus and marigolds * this information is absolutely true!! Keep it in your mind. Hahaha. The best choice is ROSE ! That's not only a good choice but also romantic !!!
Thai girls love romantic. Haha.
We are Thai girls. You should understand us guys! :P
Anyway actually don't need to be serious much about it. If you think what you buy for her it comes from your heart , all Thai girls will always happy and forgive you although it's unusual for them. We know that our cultures are different. No one blame you. We are so kind. Don't be afraid and come over to Thailand right now!!
Best wishes,
21-years-old-Thai woman( but got baby brain) lol
Jan 12, 2016 at 1:32 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 12, 2016 at 1:38 am
MKP says
Just don't marry them or break up. (I'm kidding hehe)
Anyway, your information is very useful for foreigners.
Jan 12, 2016 at 1:46 am
Kristian says
I've gotten my girlfriend shoes before. It all depends on who you're dealing with.
Dec 25, 2015 at 8:09 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 26, 2015 at 7:15 pm
WAYNE says
Boy, was that the wrong gift to buy her, even though it came from the heart. I learned, do not buy a Peruvian lady a gift of what may be considered for the home, which a pasta maker fell under.
She refused to use the pasta maker and no one could use it. After 4 years, I convinced her to donate it to a local charity, but she will never forget.
Ah, the life of love with someone from a different culture. It is worth every minute.
Best wishes
Oct 31, 2015 at 11:50 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 02, 2015 at 2:30 pm
me says
Nov 27, 2015 at 7:58 am