Some Thai Customs and some Do’s and Don’ts

Thailand is truly “The Land of Smiles” (though there is a larger variety than many people suppose). The Thais are friendly and gracious people. We encourage you to make friends here through your smiles and goodwill. There are several customs and traditions which visitors should be aware of in Thailand. The Thais are favorably impressed when a visitor knows and follows their customs. The comments below are for convenience and guidance.

• The King and Queen are highly revered by the Thai people. Any disrespect towards them (which includes the defacing of Thai currency bearing a picture of the King) must be avoided. There are heavy penalties up to imprisonment for some of these offenses.
  • Stand at your attention when the King’s Anthem is played. This occurs for example at every movie performance at the beginning.
  • Be sure to remove your shoes and hat when entering a temple or any other place where the Thais do so. Thais will appreciate the customs being followed in this way.
  • Don't point the bottom of your feet (bare) at anyone or anything sacred. This is also an especially important rule. Specifically, by the culture, pointing a bare heel is very bad and extremely disrespectful. The bottoms of the bare feet are considered the most unholy part of the body.
  • And there is a good cause also: Thais accept the fact that bare feet are meant to be dirty. Thais are exceptionally clean and shower sometimes more than three times a day, but the bottom of their feet are always dirty. Squatting toilets only affect the bottom of the feet. Therefore, the bottom of the feet is unholy so don't point them at anyone (including pictures and or statues of the Buddha, famous monks, and the king). Be warned, if you break this rule, even accidentally, Thai people will be disgusted with you, normally the Thais are very forgiving and understanding but this one is very bad, although may seem silly to you.
  • A Thai considers the top of the head to be the most sacred part of his body. Avoid touching the head of an adult.  Conversely, the bottom of the foot is the lowest. Once foot should never be raised above the waistline of a Thai or used as a “tool” to show or move objects around.
  • Do not stamp your foot on the floor, or point your finger or toe at a Thai.
  • Before taking photographs in any temple, inquire as to whether this is permissible. Never climb on the statures of Buddha, and do not walk on the mats placed on the floor directly in front of the altar.
• Show respect toward orange-robed monks. They are highly respected by Thais. Women should avoid touching monk hand men should avoid touching the Buddhist nuns.
• Nudity, even on secluded beaches is illegal. Topless sunbathing, especially in public areas, is frowned upon and many Thais will be offended by it.
• The Thai greeting called the “Wai” is done by putting the hands together in a praying position before the face and slowly bowing the head. Many Thais “Wai” in addition to shaking hands with you. It is considered polite to “Wai” in return. The gesture has no religious meaning but shows respect in an attitude of composure.
• Speak in moderate tones. Loud tones are offensive to Thais.
• Thais rarely display affection in public. Thais discourage embracing, kissing and other displays of affection in public places.
• Maintain a sense of humor, be patient, and show courtesy always, smiling, the universal “Social Cosmetic” works wonders.
• Ask for advice on habits and customs if a question arises. The Thais are anxious to be helpful. And they want visitors to understand their culture.
• Overstaying
  • Do not remain in Thailand beyond the limit stamped in your passport as you are automatically fined for each day you overstay.
• Hire or cars/Motorcycles
  • Driving conditions in Thailand are quite different to those in your country. Do not use any car rental companies which are not able to give you full insurance coverage. If you decide to drive in Thailand, please refrain from using motorcycles. Although they are cheap and practical, you are taking a very high risk. Consequences in case of accidents are often severe and extremely inconvenient. Don’t spoil your holiday and don’t take a risk you wouldn’t take in your home country! Rent a car, not a motorcycle.
• Drugs
  • Do not get involved in any drugs. Penalties are very severe.
  • Do not carry anything through customs for someone else unless you know exactly what it is.