customs and tips for thailand?

Question

If someone were to go to Thailand, what should they know beforehand? Things to cover, what to say / not to say, etc? Any special laws that we should be aware of?

Answer 1

Best knowledge I know go www.sawadee.com ,www.TAT.com you can find what you want or even more.All the above answered are right but you need to know more like put you palms together to greet, find more in the web I mention.That will help you alot.

Answer 2

I agreed with the above advice. Touching the head (especially a man's) a serious breach of etiquette. It's considered the holiest part of the body. Pointing at people (or even things) with your feet is also bad. The feet are the lowest (and therefore unholiest) part of the body. If something is low to the ground, bend down and point to it with your finger. Don't use your feet.

Best not to talk about the King or Thai royalty period. It's a crime to insult the royal family here. Best to say nothing... that way what you are saying can't be misintrepreted or misunderstood.

Last thing, "special laws"? Sure. Thailand is under marital law now. Sounds scary but it doesn't affect my life at all.

Everything said, Thais are pretty forgiving and understanding about foreigners not understanding their culture. If you do make a mistake, I doubt anyone will do anything... let alone point it out to you.

Answer 3

There are many little things - but really just act polite, smile and don't be rude. Learning hello (Sawadeeka) and thank you (Kap kun kah) will be appreciated too. There are many things but here are some to remember:

Don't touch people - or if you do - a little tap on their elbow to get their attention is OK (never touch someone's head!).

If you eat with thais - don't be the first to dig in - but feel free to serve someone else first, and it is not polite to take the last food portion from a serving dish (let someone serve it to you). They eat with spoon and fork - shovel food into spoon and eat from spoon (not fork).

If you go to temples, wear long pants or bring a sarong to cover bear legs. Always take off shoes when you go inside (home or temple) - and never point the bottoms of your feet to a buddah (if you go inside a temple) . Bottom of feet are considered dirty and disrespectful for anyone to see - if you cross your legs when you sit (anywhere) - make sure the bottom of your feet aren't pointing at anyone (it is rude to the person your soles are aimed at) - best to point them down to the ground or hide them. When you go inside a temple - you will see how all the thais do it (copy them)

One last thing - all thais LOVE their King - he is like a beloved Grandfather figure - so best to not talk about him or recognize their adoration to him. You will also get bonus points talking to thais about how much you love their culture (assuming you do).

Answer 4

Behave like in any civilised country, you should be okay. It's a land of Buddhism, respect all temples and wats. There's a dress code for entering a temple, beside removing one's shoes. Avoid touching anyone on the head, held in high esteem as the noblest part of the body. By the same token, completely rude and disrespectful for pointing with your feet/toes!

Answer 5

Good advice above - and let me add that it is a place of mostly happy, light-hearted people who love to laugh and joke.. you will see many smiles, observe from afar, - and you should offer a lovely smile upon first meeting, whether they smile first or not.. they love someone who smiles..

And a monk is not permitted to touch a female, so be sure not to make contact.. relax and enjoy - it is wonderful here

Answer 6

Thai people are probably the most forgiving people I've ever met. You really can't go wrong. Women typiclly wear long sleeves and long pants at temples. Otherwise, wear whatever you like. They do.