Walking through Thailand, whether in busy cities, quiet towns, or rural villages, one thing is clear—everyone wears flip-flops!

From children playing in the streets to students heading home from school, from friendly grandmothers laughing with friends to elderly men watching the world go by, flip-flops are a common sight.

Thailand’s hot and humid weather might seem like the obvious reason, but is that really all? Sudden heavy rain can make roads slippery and messy, yet people still prefer wearing flip-flops. What’s the secret? Let’s explore the cultural reasons behind this everyday footwear choice.

A Culture of Removing Shoes

One of the main reasons Thais love flip-flops is their cultural habit of taking off shoes before entering many places. While this practice is common in many Asian countries, Thailand takes it even further. Throughout the day, people remove their shoes multiple times, making easy-to-slip-on footwear the best option.

Temples: Sacred Spaces Require Bare Feet

Thailand is a Buddhist country, and temples are deeply respected. Before stepping inside, visitors must remove their shoes as a sign of respect. Some temples have shoe racks at the entrance, while others require visitors to take off their shoes before climbing stairs. Since visiting temples is a frequent activity, wearing flip-flops makes the process effortless.

Schools: Shoes Stay Outside the Classroom

In many rural and small-town schools, classrooms surround a large open field. Students take off their shoes before entering the classroom, either going barefoot or wearing socks. This is similar to Japanese schools, where students switch to indoor shoes. With children constantly taking their shoes off and putting them back on, flip-flops are the most convenient choice.

Markets: Eating on Bamboo Mats Means Bare Feet

In traditional markets, many people still enjoy meals while sitting on bamboo mats, just like in old times. To keep the mats clean, everyone takes off their shoes before stepping on them. Even though modern restaurants use tables and chairs, this custom is still common in smaller towns, reinforcing the preference for flip-flops.

Home-Style Shops: A Blend of Store and Home

Thailand still has many family-run stores where the shop is part of the owner’s home. Since entering these stores is like stepping into someone’s house, customers may be expected to remove their shoes. Many shop owners place mats at the entrance as a sign, making flip-flops the easiest footwear choice for shoppers.

Public Restrooms: Some Require Shoe Removal!

This might surprise visitors, but in some public restrooms—especially in rural areas—people must take off their shoes and wear shared slippers inside. Since most toilets are squat-style, this rule helps keep the floor clean. Another reason why Thais prefer easy-to-remove footwear!

Slipping Shoes On and Off All Day

With so many places requiring shoe removal—homes, schools, temples, markets, small shops, and even some public restrooms—Thai people have naturally embraced the convenience of flip-flops. Even professionals in office attire might wear flip-flops on their commute, switching to formal shoes at work.

So, Lykkers, the next time you visit Thailand and see a businessperson in a suit wearing flip-flops, don’t be surprised! It’s not just about comfort—it’s a way of life. What do you think about this unique habit? Let’s chat in the comments!