Whether for holiday, business, or retirement, spending time in the Land of Smiles can be truly an amazing experience. With its colorful culture set amidst the backdrop of countless tourist spots, Thailand never fails to enchant.
Enhance your Thai experience and make some new friends along the way by keeping in mind these simple tips during your stay.
Thais are known to be tolerant people but there are things that they consider universally sacred to them that any sign of disrespect may cause a grave offense.
Dos in Thailand
- Show Respect to the Royal Family
The Thai Royal Family is deeply revered, and it’s important to always show respect. Avoid making jokes or any negative comments about the monarchy, as it’s not only offensive but can also lead to legal consequences. - Dress Modestly in Temples
When visiting temples or sacred sites, ensure you dress appropriately. This typically means covering your shoulders and knees. It’s considered disrespectful to wear revealing clothing in these areas like wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. - Take Off Your Shoes
In homes, temples, and even some shops, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering. Always look for shoe racks or observe what others are doing to avoid causing offense. - Use a Wai to Greet
The traditional Thai greeting, known as the wai, involves pressing your palms together in front of your chest and slightly bowing your head. It’s a polite way to show respect, particularly to elders and monks. - Respect the Buddha Image
Buddha images are sacred in Thailand. Treat any statue or image of Buddha with utmost reverence. Avoid touching them unnecessarily, and never climb on or take disrespectful photos with these images. - Be Patient and Smile
Thailand is often called the “Land of Smiles.” Maintaining a calm demeanor and smiling, even in stressful situations, can help you navigate daily interactions smoothly. Thais value patience and a positive attitude.
Don’ts in Thailand
- Don’t Point Your Feet
Pointing your feet, especially at people or religious objects, is considered highly disrespectful. Always try to sit with your feet tucked away and never use your feet to move or touch anything. - Don’t Touch People’s Heads
The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture. Avoid touching people’s heads (do not attempt to pat even the heads of children), even in a playful manner. If you accidentally do so, a sincere apology will usually be appreciated. - Don’t Raise Your Voice in Public
Thais value maintaining face—an important cultural concept tied to respect and dignity. Raising your voice or showing anger in public is frowned upon and can cause you to lose face, making the situation worse. - Avoid Public Displays of Affection
While hand-holding is generally acceptable, overly affectionate behavior in public is not common in Thailand and is considered inappropriate, especially in more traditional or religious areas. - Don’t Disrespect the National Symbols
Thailand’s national symbols, such as the flag and the image of the king, are held in high regard. Never step on money, as it bears the image of the king, and always stand still during the national anthem played in public spaces. - Don’t Criticize Thai Culture
Even if you encounter something unfamiliar or confusing, it’s important to refrain from openly criticizing Thai customs or culture. Instead, approach it with curiosity and respect to better understand the country. - Avoid Showing Any Sign of Anger
You should avoid showing any sign of anger or avoid initiating a confrontation. Thailand isn’t called the ‘Land of Smiles’ for nothing. Keeping yourself cool is essential. The Thais have a special expression for that jai yen, which translates to ‘cool heart’, they also have the phrase mai pen rai which means ‘no problem’, which could lead you to a better understanding of sanook, the quintessential Thai word for ‘fun’.
Understanding these dos and don’ts will help you enjoy your time in Thailand while being mindful of local customs and traditions.
