The Bansomdej Poll Center at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University conducted a survey on beliefs and superstition during the New Year period. The sample consisted of 1,121 residents of Bangkok, with data collected from 6 to 9 January 2026. The sample size was determined using Taro Yamane's formula, which requires 1,111 participants for a population over 100,000 with 95% confidence and a 3% margin of error.
Assistant Professor Dr. Sing Singkhajorn, Chairman of the Bansomdej Poll Center, said that the survey on beliefs and superstition at New Year shows that Thai people annually participate in activities like visiting nine temples and worshiping sacred objects. The term 'Muetelu'—originally from the 1979 Indonesian film "Penangkal Ilmu Teluh," which depicted magic to win a lover—has been redefined in Thai society. It now represents a syncretic belief system blending religion, Brahmanism, and Buddhism, encompassing worship of sacred objects, astrology, carrying amulets, and praying for blessings in work, money, love, and study. This superstition, embracing the supernatural and sacred, is popular not only among older generations but also younger people seeking spiritual support amid rapid changes. Muetelu boosts morale and hope, but critical thinking is essential, recognizing sacred entities as psychological aids while real success depends on good intentions, actions, and perseverance. In the past year, economic recession in Thailand and worldwide increased interest in superstition to bolster morale during the New Year. Common activities include fortune enhancement, worship of sacred objects, supernatural beliefs, amulets, and seeking safety and success in career, finances, health, love, popularity, and protection. The following data highlights these trends.
Most respondents believe Muetelu primarily serves as an emotional anchor (44%), followed by genuinely improving life (18.7%), boosting confidence and morale (16.7%), reducing stress and worry (14.7%), and social engagement (4.7%). Additionally, 65.7% agree that economic downturns lead people to rely more on sacred beliefs.
The top New Year superstition activities in 2026 are: fortune/destiny telling (47.9%), worshiping sacred objects (41.4%), making merit/donating to monks (19.8%), acquiring digital amulets (17.5%), and performing rituals to counter Zodiac Conflict Year (Pee Chong) effects (16.2%).
When seeking blessings from deities or sacred figures, respondents mostly choose Buddha statues (26.1%), followed by Thao Wessuwan (18.7%), Lord Ganesha (14.1%), Ai Khai of Wat Chedi (12.3%), and goddess Lakshmi (11.9%).
The most requested blessings in superstition are for finances, career, and business (45.5%), followed by health and safety (23.7%), love and partnership (17.8%), and education and exams (11.9%).
Monthly expenditure on Muetelu practices is mostly under 500 baht (39.7%), with 34.6% spending nothing, 17.2% spending 501–1,000 baht, 7.2% spending 1,001–5,000 baht, and 1.3% spending over 5,000 baht.