Thailand Has a Law Prohibiting Stepping on Currency

In the Kingdom of Thailand, the monarchy is held in the highest possible regard. This profound cultural reverence extends to all representations of the King, who is seen as a protector of the nation and its values. Since every piece of currency, from the smallest satang coin to the largest baht banknote, features a portrait of the monarch, the money itself is treated with exceptional respect. It is viewed not merely as a medium of exchange, but as a tangible symbol of the nation's most revered institution.

This deep-seated respect is codified in Thailand's powerful lèse-majesté laws, which criminalize any act deemed insulting to the sovereign. In Thai culture, the feet are considered the lowliest part of the body, while the head is the most sacred. Consequently, an act like stepping on a dropped coin or banknote is interpreted as a direct and grave insult to the King's image. This, along with other forms of perceived disrespect, can be prosecuted vigorously, carrying severe penalties that underscore the immense cultural and legal importance of the monarchy.