DO's And DON'ts

The Thai people are well known for their tolerance, hospitality and cheerfulness. They will ignore the small blunders of social etiquette that you are certain to make. For the average tourist it’s very difficult to go wrong. Just smile a lot, avoid confrontation and don’t insult the religion or monarchy of the country. Here are a few specific do’s and don’t worth pointing out.

The Monarchy
All members of the Royal Family are held in highest reverence in Thailand and visitors should show similar respect. Negative remarks about the monarchy will offend and may carry serve punishment in Thailand. When the national anthem is played at 8.00 am and 6.00 pm everyday and at public events or in check what other people are doing and follow suit.

Religion
Do not insult anybody’s religion in any way, whether it is the majority religion, Buddhism or any of the minority faiths. This also extends to proper conduct in temples or any location containing religious images.

Do not wear shoes inside the main chapel of temple compound. Each Buddha image, Large or Small, ruined or not is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything that might indicate a lack of respect.

In a Muslim mosque, men should wear prayer hats and women should be well covered with slacks or a long skirt, a long-sleeved blouse buttoned to the neck, and a headscarf.

Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man who then presents it.

Social Norms
In the big city such as Bangkok and Phuket, Western customs are well known and widely accepted. Upcountry, traditional customs and social behavior are still used. Here are few customs to keep in mind.

That does don’t normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palm together in a prayer – like gesture called a wai. It is usually a younger person who ‘wais’ and elder, who returns it.

Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore avoid touching people on the head.

Similar the foot is considered the lower part of the body. Don’t use your feet to point at either people or object. Don’t touch anything with your feet. Don’t rest your feet on tables or chairs. Don’t step over people-always walk around or politely ask them to move.

Shoes should remove when entering a private Thai home. In Thai society losing your temper or even speaking loudly is a sign of poor breeding. Keeping ‘face’ is a paramount importance. Never raise your voice or show anger, it will get you nowhere. Keeping cool, hiding your emotions and smiling is far more productive.