Do you know of any Thai taboos?

Question

My sister-in-law is from Thailand. Last year, our mother-in-law gave her perfume as a Christmas present, and she said that it was not something that's usually given.

Do you know of any other taboos? I would not like to commit a faux pas.

Answer 1

Thais are very forgiving of kind-hearted people, so don't worry too much about taboos.

Here are some general guidelines. Men's clothes worn above the waist should not be mixed with women's clothes worn below the waist, such as on a clothesline.

Sharp objects, such as kitchen knives, are never given as presents.

Underpants, generally, are best avoided as gifts.

Though perfume isn't commonly worn in Thailand, other cosmetics are hugely popular. Anything that makes the skin clearer, firmer, and cleaner is appreciated. Estee Lauder is a desirable brand.

Household items are popular as gifts -- lamps, pretty things for the kitchen, placemats with matching runners and napkins, beautiful throw pillow covers, and embroidered pillow cases are all appropriate gifts. Beautiful matching sheets and pillow cases are especially nice. Very nice cloth (for making into clothes) is also a thoughtful gift for a woman.

Jewelery is a popular gift, especially necklaces and bracelets.

Keep things worn on the feet separate from things worn above the waist. Don't put a knit hat into her Christmas stocking, for example. That would probably be upsetting to a Thai.

By the way, the perfume wasn't a taboo. Many Thais find scents liked by Westerners a little overwhelming and even stinky. I don't ever remember a Thai wearing perfume in all the years I lived in Thailand.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

http://www.ecoventurethailand.com/culture/customs.html

http://www.salon.com/wlust/tips/1997/11/11tip.html

the above links have a few tips, which I hope will help.

Good Luck