It has been more than a week since Thailand lost one its most revered monks, Luang Phor Koon. Many Thais, including taxi drivers, have long looked to him for guidance, especially relating to finances as he was known for his ability to raise millions of baht to build temples and schools in Nakorn Ratchasima Province where he was an abbot at Wat Ban Rai. Born in 1923, he dedicated most of his life to studying Buddhist teachings and to helping the needy. He will be missed by many, but his memory will live on in the hearts of many Thais and in the form of amulets, small statues, and stickers in Bangkok taxis.  

Taxi Taxi!

In Thai culture, two always packs more punch than one. After all, this is the home of the original Siamese twins. In the local language, words are often repeated for emphasis, and even when English is used, you often hear the "same same" words spoken twice. In the case of Bangkok taxis, it is common to see duplicate decorations on dashboards and in the back of cabs. I'm wondering if these cloned characters and twin talismans are supposed to bring double the luck, or did the cabbies simply pick them up at "Buy one, Get one" sales.