Thailand is a country with rich cultural traditions and a strong sense of social etiquette. Visitors who want to enjoy their stay and avoid offending the locals should be aware of some dos and don’ts that govern Thai society. Here are some of the most important ones to keep in mind when visiting:
Dos
- Show Respect to the Monarchy: Thai people have a deep respect for their royal family, and it’s important for visitors to show the same respect. Never speak ill of the monarchy, and stand up when the national anthem is played or when the king’s portrait is shown. The king’s image is also printed on the currency, so avoid stepping on or defacing it.
- Wai Properly: The ‘Wai’ is a traditional Thai greeting involving a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. It’s a sign of respect and is commonly used when greeting, thanking, or apologizing. The higher you raise your hands, the more respect you show. Generally, you should return a wai if someone gives you one, but there are some exceptions. For example, you don’t need to wai children, service staff, or monks (if you are a woman).
- Respect Buddhist Monks: Monks are highly respected in Thailand, and you should always give them space and priority. For example, you should offer your seat to a monk on public transportation, and avoid sitting higher than a monk. If you are a woman, you should not touch a monk or hand anything directly to him. If you want to give something to a monk, you can place it on a tray or on the ground in front of him. You should also dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting a monastery or temple.
- Remove Your Shoes: Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home and even in certain shops or guesthouses. This is a sign of respect and cleanliness, as shoes are considered dirty. You may also see a pile of shoes outside a place, which indicates that you should follow suit. Some temples may also require you to remove your shoes before entering, so look for signs or follow the locals.
- Dress Appropriately: Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or other religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and avoid wearing anything too tight or revealing. You may also need to wear a sarong or a scarf to cover up. Some places may provide these for free or for a small fee, but it’s better to bring your own. You should also avoid wearing black, as it’s associated with mourning. Bright colors are preferred, especially yellow, which is the king’s color.
- Stay Calm: Keep your cool, even in frustrating situations. Raising your voice or showing anger is considered losing face, and it’s highly frowned upon. Thai people value harmony and avoid confrontation, so try to be polite and smile. If you have a problem or a complaint, express it calmly and respectfully. Be patient with drivers of metered taxis. Always use the meter and exit if they refuse to do so.
- Use Polite Language: Use ‘ka’ (for women) or ‘krup’ (for men) at the end of sentences to be polite. This can make a big difference in how you are perceived and treated. You can also learn some basic Thai phrases, such as ‘sawasdee’ (hello), ‘khob khun’ (thank you), and ‘mai pen rai’ (no problem). Thai people appreciate foreigners who make an effort to speak their language, and it can help you get along better with them.
- Practice Good Table Manners: Wait for the eldest person to start eating first, and try a bit of everything. Thai food is meant to be shared, so don’t take too much of one dish. Use a spoon and a fork to eat, and leave the knife alone. The spoon is used to bring food to your mouth, and the fork is used to push food onto the spoon. Chopsticks are only used for noodle dishes. Don’t leave any rice on your plate, as it’s considered wasteful. You can also compliment the cook by saying ‘aroy’ (delicious).
- Be Respectful with Your Feet: Feet are considered the lowest part of the body in Thai culture, and you should not point them at people or religious objects. You should also avoid stepping over people or things, as it’s considered rude. When sitting, try to tuck your feet under your body or cross your legs. Don’t rest your feet on tables or chairs, and don’t touch anyone with your feet.
- Support Sustainable Tourism: Engage in responsible and sustainable tourism practices to help preserve the country’s natural and cultural heritage. Avoid activities that harm the environment or exploit animals, such as elephant riding, tiger petting, or coral reef snorkeling. Instead, opt for ethical alternatives, such as visiting elephant sanctuaries, wildlife rescue centers, or marine conservation projects. You can also support local communities by buying handicrafts, eating local food, or staying in homestays.
Don’ts
- Don’t Touch Someone’s Head: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and it should not be touched. This applies to both adults and children, even if you mean it as a friendly gesture. The only exception is if you are very close to someone, such as a family member or a lover. If you accidentally touch someone’s head, apologize immediately and wai them.
- Don’t Point Your Feet: As mentioned before, feet are considered lowly, so don’t point them at people or religious objects. This includes statues of Buddha, images of the king, or monks. If you need to gesture at something, use your hand instead. If you accidentally point your feet at someone or something, apologize and wai them.
- Don’t Show Public Displays of Affection: Keep public displays of affection to a minimum as they can be considered disrespectful. Thai people are generally conservative and shy when it comes to romance, and they don’t like to see couples kissing, hugging, or holding hands in public. You can show affection in private, but be discreet and respectful of your surroundings.
- Don’t Take Photos in Restricted Areas: Be mindful of signs that prohibit photography, especially in religious or sacred sites. Some places may charge a fee for taking photos, or require you to turn off your flash. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially monks or children. Don’t take photos of anything that could be considered offensive or sensitive, such as military installations, protests, or accidents.
- Don’t Engage in Illegal Activities: This includes drug use and purchasing counterfeit goods. Thailand has strict laws and harsh penalties for drug offenses, ranging from fines to death sentences. Don’t buy, sell, or consume any drugs, and don’t accept anything from strangers. Counterfeit goods, such as fake watches, bags,
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