Many Thais, including taxi drivers, don an amulet (or
a dozen) dangling from a necklace
with images of the Buddha, monks, Hindu gods and goddesses, and other lucky
icons. The charms reflect the wearer’s personal beliefs, values, and
superstitions. When many Bangkok cabbies begin their shift, they remove their amulets from around their neck and
hang them from their rearview mirror while saying a prayer. The talismans thus serve to
protect the car, as well as the driver. I also like to believe that they then keep passengers, like myself, safe from harm.
