DO’s

• Respect the Thai Majesty or Royal Family

In Thailand, everyone regards their King and the Royal family with utmost respect. In fact, disrespect for His Majesty or the Thai Royal Family constitutes a serious offense called “lesse majeste”

 

• Respect religious symbols as well as religious rituals.

• Dress Politely

You are required to dress politely especially when entering a temple or any religious Shrine. Temples and other religious shrines are treated by Thais as sacred places, thus dress properly. Dress with modesty.

 

• Wai to an elderly person

The Wai is a gesture made by placing your hands together in front of your face and bowing a little. It is a traditional greeting in Thailand. It is also a way of saying thank you in the country. Instead of shaking hands, you wai at persons especially the elderly. Return a wai when someone wais to you.  Make sure to study how the wai is properly done before you greet someone with this gesture.

 

• Stand up when Thai national anthem is played.

Always stand up when Thai National Anthem is played. It does not matter where you are. If you hear Thais national anthem, you are obliged to stand. If you are walking, stop and stand still. In cinemas, before the movie is played, you will hear Thai national anthem, hence you are mandated to stand up until the anthem is over.

 

• Take your shoes off

High respect is regarded to Buddha images, thus it is a sign of respect if you take your shoes off when entering a temple or shrine with Buddha images. Also, do take your shoes off when you enter someone else’s home.

 

• Offer and receive anything with your right hand

• Keep your feet on the ground when sitting

• Ask permission before taking pictures or photos of tribe people.

DON’Ts

• Don’t wai to a person of lower status

In Thailand, if you wai to a person lower in status, it will be treated as an insult, thus will only embarrass the person.

 

• Don’t climb on Buddha’s Images

It is not allowed to step on the images of a Buddha. Neither is climbing those images permitted in Thailand. Note that some Buddha images are prohibited to be photographed.

 

• Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch women. Neither is a woman allowed to touch the monks. Monks are to be respected in Thailand. Also, it is prohibited in Thailand to cross your leg in front of a monk.

• Do not point at things with your feet

  Also, do not point the palm of your feet at anyone. In Thailand, your feet are considered as the filthiest part of your body.

• Do not shout

No matter how angry you are, in Thailand shouting is a sign of disrespect and it is annoying for Thais. So better learn to be calm.

 

• Public Display of Affection is not allowed in Thailand

Kissing, cuddling and other forms of affection toward your girlfriend or boyfriend are prohibited in Thailand.

 

• Don’t place your feet on the table while sitting.

• Do not touch a woman without her consent;

• Don’t call a waiter or waitress with your fingers upward.

• Don’t touch Thai’s head or ruffle their hair

• Don’t stare at people

• Don’t leave chopsticks in a bowl

In Thailand, it is bad luck and is considered as a sign of death.

 

• Do not bring Buddha images outside Thailand.Exporting Buddha images outside the country is prohibited.

• Do  not sunbathe or swim nude

• Do not order a food just for yourself

In Thailand, if you are dining with someone else or your friends, do not order a meal just for yourself. Remember that Thai meals are always shared.

 

• Do not pass in front of an elderly person without lowering your head.

These are just the summary of a lot more rules in Thailand. Keep these rules and taboos on mind to further enjoy your stay in the country of smiles. And remember; always wear a smile in your face when in Thailand.