Thailand Tips and Customs

After living in Bangkok for over a year I have learned many things about the Thai People that I wanted to share with other foreigners living or vacationing here should know. The first thing you have to accept is that eastern culture is different. The people in the east are less emotional and more polite and while they know westerners are different, they often are uncomfortable when we stray from their norms. The things I found to be important are listed below in order of importance:

1. Be Polite - Thai people hold being polite above all else. Their very language has politeness built into it. If you follow what is considered “common courtesy” you will be fine.
2. Thai King - The Thai People Love their King, King Rama IX. Never show any type of disrespect to him.
3. Be Quiet - Loud people are considered impolite. Speak softly and do not laugh loudly. Of course there are the common places such as bars that being loud is appropriate.
4. Watch where you walk - The side walks in Bangkok are uneven and full of obstacles, pay attention. Oh, the streets have many stray dogs; the dogs are not aggressive but do leave landmines on the sidewalks.
5. Taxi drivers (enough said) - Most taxi drivers are fine. Generally, it is always better to use the metered taxis. Tuktuks are always more expensive and with Bangkok traffic you could be breathing in a lot of smog on the way. If you are going a significant distance negotiate...
6. Body Odor - Thai people almost never smell badly and they find it offensive if others do.
7. Movie Theater - After the advertizing and right before the movie a tribute to the Thai King Comes on and everyone stands in respect.

Following these tips will allow you to have more fun in your stay in Bangkok, allowing the locals to be more comfortable with you and give you a better understanding of how things functions in Thailand.

presents interesting travel tips and experiences for Thailand and the surrounding area.

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I found this at www.siamcircle.webs.com They seem to have some useful info.

Thai people are among the most tolerant and forbearing of hosts, they have nevertheless a number of customs and taboos which the visitor should respect. To help with this the Tourist Authority of Thailand publishes a tiny booklet entitled "Do's and Don'ts in Thailand". A few extracts are included here:

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. You may see Westernised young Thai's holding hands in public, but that is as far as it goes, in polite society.

Topless bathing may be considered acceptable in your own country, but is inappropriate in Thailand.
Thai's consider the head as the highest part of the body, both literally and figuratively. As a result they don't approve of touching anyone on the head, even as a friendly gesture.

It is considered rude to point the sole of your foot at another person, so try to avoid doing so when sitting opposite someone, and following the concept that the foot is the lowest limb, don't point your foot to show anything to anyone.

Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman wants to give anything to a monk or novice, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. In case the woman wants to present it with her hand, the monk or novice will spread out a piece of saffron robe, and the woman will lay down the gift on the material.

It is alright to wear shoes whilst walking around the grounds of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the Buddha image is kept. Women should ensure that their legs and shoulders are covered before entering a Buddhist temple. Please do not wear shorts.

The Thai people have a deep traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and the visitor should also show respect for the King and the Queen, and the Royal Children. When attending a public event where a member of the Royal Family is present, the best guide on how to behave is to watch the crowd and do as it does. Reply to this

Well, u would not get punished for stepping on the money or stepping over things. They just dont like when people do that. It is a bit like the level of offence we would cause by blowing our noses at the dinner table or putting our knives into our mouths.
By the way another no no in Thailand is putting your fork in your mouth or licking things.

Mel Reply to this

I have a few to add...most apply to general Asia

1. Its custom to take your shoes off before entering a thai house, some hotels, shops etc. Don't be surprised if your shoes aren't there when you get back. Shoes have no ownership in Thailand, someone would have just slipped them on to walk across the street or something.

2. Its ok to rest your feet up on a seat etc if you have your shoes off.

3. If someone offeres you something as a gift, don't turn it down they will think you very rude.

4. Don't be surprised if your laundry comes back a different colour.

5. Personal space doesn't exist. Get used to people leaning on you, and half sitting on you on the bus.

6. Don't get upset if the Asian's laugh at you for being overweight/tall etc. They can have no tact, but mean well.

7. Learn some of the local language it will get you a long way. But be aware that when you make mistakes you will get laughed at.

8. road rules...there aren't any

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With a spoon Tony. If u want to be well mannered u push a small amount of food onto your spoon with the fork and then put the food in your mouth with the spoon. I have not seen many chopsticks in Thailand.
On my recent trip to Thailand I have seen a couple of Thai people actually eating with forks. Not sure if they are lightening up with the eating manners or if it is ok to spear something on a fork and take a bite of it so long as u dont put the fork in your mouth. 😊

Mel Reply to this

I now eat with a spoon and fork all the time.....who needs a knife?

I now live in Australia, I get some strange looks sometimes Reply to this

According to my Thai friend we should always Wai. I feel kinda silly doing it because I am bound to get it wrong.
Also we should never say anything bad about the king. I dont know if this applies to just he present king or all that were ever kings of Thailand.
Also we shouldnt point at people according to my friend. I would extend that to also not pointing at things with one finger. Use 3. That is what the Thais do.

Mel Reply to this