When you walk through the streets of Thailand, whether it's the bustling city or quiet villages, you'll notice a common sight—people, young and old, love wearing slippers everywhere.

You'll spot kids running around, students playing volleyball after school, even elderly folks relaxing outside their homes, all wearing slippers.

The heat in Thailand can be unbearable at times, making you sweat even while sitting still, and unexpected heavy rain can make walking outside tricky.

Despite all of this, it's clear that wearing slippers is a part of daily life. So, why is it so common?

The “Shoes-Off” Culture

Through my time volunteering and observing the daily lives of locals, I noticed that aside from the weather, there's another key reason why slippers are so popular. The "shoes-off culture" in Thailand plays a big role in it. While removing shoes before entering the house is a common habit in many Asian countries, Thailand takes this to a whole new level, with many places requiring shoes to be taken off before entering.

Taking Shoes Off at Temples

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country, and temples are sacred places for locals. When visiting a temple, it's not just about dressing modestly—flip-flops, shorts, and sleeveless shirts are a no-go. The most important part is that shoes need to be removed before entering the temple.

Some temples require you to take off your shoes outside, while others may have specific areas, like before going up a staircase, where shoes must be left. So, whenever you visit a temple, make sure to keep an eye out for the signs or the local customs regarding where to remove your shoes.

Taking Shoes Off at School

In rural towns and villages, most schools are centered around a large grassy field, with plenty of space for students to play.

Before entering classrooms, students remove their shoes and place them on a shoe rack outside. Only then do they enter the classroom, either barefoot or wearing socks. It's a bit like how Japanese students change into indoor shoes before entering their school buildings, but here, Thai students prefer to stay barefoot or wear socks.

Taking Shoes Off at the Market

In traditional Thai homes, it's common for families to sit on the floor in a circle and share meals together. While this practice is not as common in big cities anymore, you'll still see it in smaller towns and rural markets. These markets often feature food-sharing areas made up of bamboo mats and small tables, where locals gather to eat. Before sitting down to eat on these mats, it's customary to remove your shoes.

Taking Shoes Off at Small Shops

Many businesses in Thailand, especially in older areas, are like the traditional "shop-houses" you might find in Hong Kong, where the shop and the living space are together in the same building. This is also true for many small grocery stores. Just like in someone's home, entering a shop is seen as entering a private space.

So, in some shops, you may notice a doormat or a sign at the entrance, asking customers to remove their shoes before entering. It's all about respect for the space and the people within it.

Taking Shoes Off in Public Restrooms

Now, this one might surprise you—yes, even public restrooms require you to remove your shoes. The reason behind this is that most public toilets in Thailand are squat toilets. Since these toilets are often covered in dirt and grime, if everyone were to walk in with their dirty shoes, it would be a nightmare to clean. So, some public restrooms ask you to take off your shoes and change into public slippers provided at the entrance.

Why This Matters

All these reasons point to one thing: Thais are used to constantly taking their shoes off and putting them back on throughout the day. For this reason, it makes perfect sense that they prefer to wear something easy to take off and put on, like slippers. So, next time you spot a business person in a suit but wearing slippers, don't be surprised! It's all part of their daily routine.

We hope this gives you a better understanding of why Thai people wear slippers all the time! It's more than just a fashion statement or comfort; it's deeply rooted in their culture and daily habits. Whether you're planning to visit Thailand or you're just curious about cultural differences, you can now appreciate the practical and cultural reasons behind this beloved footwear choice.

What do you think, Lykkers? Would you embrace the Thai slipper lifestyle? Let us know in the comments!