| Thais have strong beliefs and superstitions about | | | | The flowers from the Rak tree are used to |
| trees and plants. They believe that certain trees | | | | make garlands. These garlands are used to adorn |
| should not be grown within the premises of the | | | | prisoners and criminals who are going to be |
| house as they bring bad luck and there are other | | | | executed. Because of its use, the Thai believe |
| trees that should be grown for good luck. | | | | that Rak trees are unlucky and should not be |
| Soak tree is one such tree that the Thai believe | | | | grown or found around a dwelling. |
| brings bad luck. It is a tall tree with short | | | | Sala and Rakam are two trees with sharp thorns. |
| branches, which bears red fruits. Once the fruits | | | | Usually it is seen that thorny trees are not grown |
| ripen, they turn purple in color. The fruits of this | | | | at homes in Thailand. As these two trees are |
| tree are extremely bitter in taste and not meant | | | | thorny, they are considered to be unlucky trees. |
| for eating. In Thai language Soak means sorrow | | | | But these trees have high market value. So many |
| and therefore, Thai people believe that having a | | | | Thai gardeners grow these trees for their |
| Soak tree growing in the house brings bad luck | | | | commercial value. |
| and it considered to be extremely unlucky. | | | | |