Surprising Things You’d Only See in Thailand

Outside Thai homes, businesses, and roadside shrines, tiny spirit houses can sometimes be surrounded by flowers, incense, food, and an oddly modern offering: bottles of bright-red Fanta, often complete with straws as though an invisible guest might arrive at any moment.

Spirit houses are intended for guardian spirits believed to protect a property, and offerings help maintain their favor. Red carries associations with luck and positive energy, while several explanations exist for how red soda became so popular. Whatever the exact origin, Thailand has found a remarkably colorful way to keep the spirits refreshed.