… it happened in Bangkok.
I went to a restaurant with my family. My two aunts, my mum, my sister, and me.
We’re all spiritual in our own ways. My aunts grew up Burmese, my mum grew up in Northern Thailand, while my sister and I grew up in Singapore. So culturally and spiritually, we’re kind of a mixed bag.
Anyway, we went to this very local Thai restaurant. Very, very local. Definitely not a tourist trap.
The moment I stepped in, my body started acting weird. I got insanely sleepy — nonstop yawning until my eyes teared up. I felt extremely nauseous too. My whole body just felt uncomfortable and off, like something wasn’t right.
My mum said I looked pale.
My aunts thought I was sick.
My sister pretended everything was completely normal.
Everyone knew something was wrong, but nobody wanted to address it. Everyone just continued eating like nothing unusual was happening. Ignorance is bliss, I guess.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t even eat. It genuinely felt like two souls were trying to exist in one body… my body.
I got kind of fed up because I was genuinely excited for this meal, and I don’t randomly fall sick like this. Especially not this suddenly. Definitely not over food I was excited to eat.
Then spirituality, baby courage, and the curiosity of a dying cat got the better of me.
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but apparently it also makes me braver than I should be.
So I asked the waitress if there was a highly revered shrine nearby.
Turns out there’s this sought-after “Phi Sao” (พี่สาว — Older Sister) shrine that people visit for lottery numbers and lucky requests.
Despite feeling like my soul was halfway exiting my body, my very practical Singaporean brain still managed to become opportunistic:
“Maybe should ask forToto or 4D.”
You can take the girl out of Singapore, but apparently you can’t take the Singaporean out of the girl.
Unfortunately, Singapore Pools doesn’t allow overseas purchases.
So my takeaways are:
If I’m possessed, I’m on my own. Ain’t no family member coming to save me.
If I’m sick, I apparently need to wait for everyone to finish eating before I get attended to… even if I’m actively dying in front of their eyes.
And somehow, even while fighting for my life, I still had enough mental clarity to think about buying 4D.
Oh, modern capitalism.
And lastly…
Maybe the spirits really did give me luck. Just not enough to profit from it.
Better luck next time!
Visiting local restaurants in Bangkok can be an incredible way to immerse yourself in Thai culture, especially when accompanied by family. One interesting aspect often overlooked is the spiritual atmosphere that some places carry, such as shrines nearby like the "Phi Sao" shrine, which locals visit for luck and lottery hopes. From my own experience traveling in Southeast Asia, I’ve noticed that these spiritual sites can sometimes influence the moods and feelings of visitors in unexpected ways, much like what happened during a recent family meal. In addition to savoring authentic Thai flavors, it’s fascinating how the local beliefs and traditions weave into everyday life. For example, some restaurants are situated near shrines or spiritual landmarks, intentionally or not, which can create unique vibes for diners. I recall feeling sudden drowsiness and nausea once when entering a humble, non-touristy restaurant—it wasn’t due to food poisoning, but more a peculiar energy that seemed to affect my senses. My family members, coming from various cultural and spiritual backgrounds, had different reactions and interpretations, much like the mix in this story. Spiritually, in Thailand and surrounding regions, it is common to seek blessings or lucky signs at nearby shrines before or after meals, and locals believe these rituals can influence fortune—whether it’s lottery luck or general well-being. Being curious and open-minded to these traditions enhanced my travel experience significantly. To those intrigued by spirituality and local customs, visiting such spots, even just to ask advice or for good luck, connects you to the culture on a deeper level. It’s also important to mention practicing mindfulness and honoring your own health in unfamiliar places. If you ever feel unwell like sudden nausea or extreme fatigue, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to communicate with those around you—even if they appear indifferent. Balancing curiosity about the spiritual with practical care for your body is essential. Overall, combining family connections, spirituality, and the exploration of lesser-known local spots can lead to memorable and meaningful experiences. If you find yourself in Bangkok, step off the tourist path and embrace the local spirit—sometimes literally. And remember, even if luck from the spirits doesn’t translate to lottery wins, it often offers a richer story to tell and a unique way to bond with those you’re with.