Anyone Know? Why People Beep Going Over Patong Hill?

[podge]

I always wonder why everyone beeps when at the top of the big hill going into patong from Phuket town ? I beep too just to join in

Is there a reason or do people just do it for good luck or something?

[mikethevigoman]

You will notice on the bank/hill there is a thai shroud/small temple, its an old sacred spot, been doing it for years, like beeping when you see a friend,.

[podge]

Ah yes i know where you mean now, i thought it might have been something to do with that. thanks!

[Tywais]

As mike said and will add it is for good luck, apparently that area needs it. Used to do it myself when I was in Phuket driving on a motorbike. Not really superstitious, but it doesn't hurt.

[toptuan]

My first month in Thailand: In Isaan there's a small Khmer temple ruin that I was at alone, touring one afternoon. Everyone driving by honked, and I waved dutifully, thinking "Wow, these Thais are so friendly!" Slightly despondent when I found out I wasn't the center of attention. Here, everyone honks when they go by an ancient temple ruin or special shrine.

[Goshawk]

yep..

not restricted to Patong by any means.. Any hill, mountain/khao, doi (high place) in Thailand has a 'guardian spirit' and the Thai's beep to it/him/her for good luck and safe passage.. simple as that

[aussiep]

I always wonder why everyone beeps when at the top of the big hill going into patong from Phuket town ? I beep too just to join in

Is there a reason or do people just do it for good luck or something?

I have been over that hill many times.

To toot your horn is to let the spirits/gods know you are going past so you will get your share of good luck.

If you don't wake them up to your passing you might miss out.

Or you have arrived at the top and need good luck to get down the other side.

aussiep

[meandwi]

I just love Thai superstitions.

meandwi

[Boater]

second that, as my girlfriend would say, horns are use more in thailand while passing religious items then warning of an on coming crash

[DrDave]

In addition to the beep for good luck (usually 3 short beeps), a beep of the horn can also be an acceptable substitute for a wai when passing a temple or shrine when it would be otherwise too dangerous to take both hands off the steering wheel!

[anthonyu]

With the amount of dangerous overtaking occuring in Phuket and around Thailand, its more likely they're beeping to tell someone on the other side "please don't hit me!"