Unlike Thai monks or bonzes, those of neighbouring countries do not shave their eyebrows (fig.). The Thai custom to shave the eyebrows dates from a hostile period with Burma. To recognize possible spies and foes, disguised as monks, the Thai clergy started the custom of shaving the eyebrows as well as the head. This one is holding a Burmese-style pad bai lahn or pad yot, i.e. a fan used by monks (fig.).