Thai penis amulets (palad khik)

from the BangkokLibrary.com

Thai penis amulets are a common sight in Thailand. Known in Thai as palad khik (ปลัดขิก) pronounced bpà-làt-kìk, these amulets usually measure less than 4 cm in length and may be carved from wood, bone, or horn. Amulets cast from metal (especially bronze and brass) are very common, and those cast in resin are relatively easy to find. Some amulets are plain or have very simple decoration, but others are intricately detailed, often incorporating the shapes of animals including monkeys, snakes and tigers. All have one thing in common: they are worn or carried (by Thai males) in the belief that they may afford special protection or good luck.

Larger (sometimes much larger) phallic objects are also used by men and women to bring good luck and prosperity. Although it may be an unusual sight for a westerner, it's certainly not uncommon to find a large wooden penis placed next to the ingredients in an authentic Thai restaurant.

More pictures of small Thai penis amulets (palad khik):

I own a Thai penile amulet made of wood, painted and inscribed, shown here:

Perhaps some readers from Thailand can identify it, read the inscriptions on it and tell me more about it in the comments below.  Thanks.

This post would not be complete without showing a typical guy from Thailand that would wear such amulets:

Gay? Whatever, Dude

The above NY Times headline surely caught my attention and it is by columnist Charles M. Blow.  Read the article here.

So society's attitudes, particularly among men, seem to be changing.  Of course, we have thought that all along with gay TV shows, movies, and new discussions of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  Mr. Blow references a new Gallup report on American's Views on Homsexuality.

Mr. Blow concludes with the following in his last paragraph:

Professor Savin-Williams says that his current research reveals that the fastest-growing group along the sexuality continuum are men who self-identify as “mostly straight” as opposed to labels like “straight,” “gay” or “bisexual.” They acknowledge some level of attraction to other men even as they say that they probably wouldn’t act on it, but ... the right guy, the right day, a few beers and who knows. As the professor points out, you would never have heard that in years past.

Be sure to review his article and the Gallup poll information.  Then leave your comments below.