Reddit sets out to solve Thailand’s mystery ear coins

What’s up with Thai dudes loading their lobes with coins?

That was a question posed this week in the ivory tower of human knowledge that is Reddit, causing ears to perk up and hear out responses both hilarious and sincere. The query was paired with photos of an unidentified man with five coins crammed into his conchas without any regard for hygiene.

According to Offshore-Dod, it’s an old thing that’s made its way back into the collective lug hole.

“More common in upcountry kids and not something I have actually seen for a long time TBH – although it used to be a common sight 30 years ago. I was told it was just as simple as ‘I’’ve got 5 baht,” and dates back to a time when 5 baht in upcountry areas was a usable amount of money. That and perhaps a bit of rakish style.”

Some said it was something people did when they were young for bus fares,…