Etiquette tips for travelling in Thailand
Although Thai people are very forgiving to foreigners and will probably not say anything, knowing a little about Thailand etiquette before you go shows both respect and an interest in the local culture.
Use these tips to be a better traveler and to avoid offending someone on accident!
1. Don't drop or stand on currency
Feet are considered to be the lowest and least clean part of the body, so avoid pointing your feet at anyone: don't cross your legs, sit cross-legged or put your feet up. It is also rude to drop or stand on currency, as it could be considered disrespectful towards the royal family (Thailand's reigning monarch is printed on the Thai Baht).
2. Never touch anyone's head
A person's head is considered sacred in Thailand, so even giving someone a pat on the head or touching their hair could be frowned upon. If you are volunteering or working with small children, be especially wary – it's second nature for many westerners to ruffle kids' hair. Thai masseurs may ask permission to massage your head first, so bear in mind that they are asking as a sign of respect.
© Grand Palace at the Chao Phraya, Bangkok (Shutterstock: see credit below)
3. Always return a 'wai'
The wai is a common and polite greeting which involves bowing your head and keeping your hands in a praying gesture. Everyone you meet will greet you in this way, so always return the gesture and smile as you do so. If you are greeting a monk then you must bend from the waist with your head bowed and your hands together.
However, you should not offer a wai to servers, waiters, homeless people, or others “below” you. Doing so actually causes them to “lose face.”
4. Respect the monks
Many temples hold sessions where you can meet and talk to monks, to learn about Buddhism and help them improve their English. Don't be over-familiar or ask personal questions when first meeting them. If you are female, don't touch them or even brush past them: it is strictly forbidden for monks to have any physical contact with a woman. These same rules even apply to the monk’s mother!
5. Cover up in temples
It is pretty likely that you will stumble upon an incredibly beautiful temple while wandering around the streets, but make sure you are respectful and cover your shoulders and chest before entering. Always keep a shawl or some long-sleeved clothing in your bag as you may be refused entry or cause offense it you aren't properly covered.
6. Don't point or beckon
Both can be seen as rude or even sexually suggestive. If you do want to motion to someone to join you, put your hand out with your palm facing downwards and wave your fingers towards yourself. Also, tilt your head upwards to indicate with your chin to avoid causing offence. This also applies to pointing at objects or buildings, but especially avoid pointing at temples. If you forget, simply wai as an apology.
7. Be prepared to pay more than the locals
Some galleries, museums and temples charge different prices for Thai nationals and tourists, and both prices aren't always listed on the website or in guidebooks. It is sometimes possible to avoid this higher tourist fee if you ask in advance, book with a large group or go at off-peak times. Don't be surprised if they flatly refuse you, but it is always worth asking.
8. Spit Before and After You Pee
Many Thais hold the animist belief that spirits live in the ground. To show respect, you should spit before and after peeing outdoors to avoid accidentally urinating on a spirit.
9.Thailand Spirit Houses
Those tiny house shrines are to appease the spirits who lived in the ground where a house was built. Food, drinks, and offerings are given to avoid problems. A spirit house shouldn’t be in the shadow of a home.
10. Don't Cut Off Your Temple Bracelets
Don’t cut off those orange bracelets you get for free in temples — doing so is considered bad for spiritual health. Instead, you can untie them after a few days or let them fall off on their own.
11. Don’t Throw Objects
Throwing an object to someone rather than handing it to them can be considered rude, particularly if the object is of any value. Take the few steps to hand someone an item, and do so with your right hand; left hand touching the right forearm.
12. Giving and Receiving Gifts
It is polite to put a gift that someone gives you aside to open later, rather than tearing into it immediately in front of them. Expect Thais to do the same when you give them gifts. Wrapping and presentation are important for gifts.
13. Don’t Step on Thresholds
Stepping on a door threshold is considered bad form in Thailand because a spirit resides inside. Remove your shoes before stepping over the wooden threshold in temples and homes.
14. Don’t Use Your Left Hand
The left hand is used for toilet functions. Don’t use your left hand to hand someone money or items – use both hands or just your right hand instead. Always accept items with both hands to show respect.
15. Monks Don’t Eat After Noon
Many monks take a vow not to eat anything after 12:00 noon. To show respect and to avoid unnecessary temptation, avoid eating or snacking around them in the afternoon.
16. Respect Buddha Statues
You should not turn your back to Buddha statues in temples or shrines; instead, back away. Always remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall of a temple (wat).
17. Remove Your Shoes
Unless told not to do so by your host, always remove your shoes before going into a Thai home. Some shops, restaurants, and businesses will expect you to do so as well. Just look for shoes at the front entrance and you’ll know.
18. Slow Down a Little
Don’t expect the same service in restaurants that we enjoy in the West. Things move a little slower in Thailand – including the servers. How motivated would you be for no tips and pitiful pay? Be patient!
19. How to Say Hello
Say hello in Thailand by offering a “wai” with your hands and saying “sawas dee khrap” (men) or “sawas dee kaa” (women)…
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