While the shape of the symbol may be obvious, however, it's purpose is more than appearances suggest. Originally from India, where it was associated with the god Shiva (possibly in the same vein as the Lingam, another phallic symbol), the palad khik has been ubiquitous in Thailand for over 1000 years. As a charm or talisman, it is worn under men's clothing as protection from any spiritual malevolence aimed at harming the man's genitals (hence the word "surrogate" in its title).