The Most Important Etiquette Rules You Need to Know When Visiting Thailand
We travel to get out of our comfort zones, but it’s vital to ensure that you don’t put the locals out of theirs.From dressing inappropriately to everyday mannerisms that might be considered rude, it’s great to brush up on etiquette at a destination before packing a suitcase.Thailand is a place of intrigue and spice, a city balanced on a dichotomy–offering all-night parties and early-morning religious rituals. It’s also deeply conservative in certain political and religious aspects.Did you know showing the soles of your feet is rude? And, defacing or stepping on money is actually punishable by a fine or prison time. Here, we explore how best to respect Thailand’s culture and customs and ensure you’re welcomed back with open arms.Boyloso/iStockWatch Your FeetSome of the biggest faux pas moments a foreigner might make can involve their feet. Because the soles of the feet are considered the lowest point in the body, they should never be pointed at someone. Instead, your feet should be tucked back beneath you if sitting on the floor or pointed down if sitting in a chair. Secondly, Buddhist tradition dictates that ancestor spirits can live on the threshold of houses. It’s important to step over a home’s threshold and not directly on it. Finally, take off your shoes when entering a temple, someone’s house, or certain places of business. Unsure? Look for a pile of shoes outside the door. If you see one, add yours before you enter.Akabei/iStockBow DeeplyIn America, we might shake hands or even high-five. In Thailand, however, you greet someone with a wai. The wai (pronounced like why) is a no-contact greeting. It begins by placing both hands together, palms and fingers flat against each other, so each finger is touching its opposite counterpoint. Your hands should be tilted outward, and then you nod your head over your thumbs and index fingers, bowing your forehead to your hands. If you are greeting someone older than you, or someone of great esteem, it’s polite to wai with a deeper bend, nearly to the waist.Inuthai/DreamstimeDo Not Get Involved in PoliticsThailand is a constitutional monarchy, which has known many years of interspersed military rule. The country, particularly the capital, is no stranger to spouts of political upheaval. Protests can happen, but they should not deter you from traveling to Bangkok. Simply remain aware and flexible to change your hotel and your plans. The city is quite large, and protests/demonstrations are easily avoided by choosing to explore and stay in a different neighborhood. It’s wise at all times to avoid political conversations with locals, as questions or comments might quickly become offensive.Careful of How You Treat Your CashThe monarchy in Thailand is not the ruling power, but it has an incredible, lasting influence on the political system. It is illegal to disrespect or challenge the monarchy, meaning Thailand is not nearly as openly democratic as America or many places in Europe. Strict laws include punishments for defacing images of the royal family–and as Thai currency, the baht, has images of the monarch on it, be mindful of how you treat your cash. People have been punished with jail time for crumpling and throwing money in anger or defacing images of the king. Folding your paper money is fine, however.No Pats on the HeadFor Thai people, the head is the most sacred part of the body. It’s rude to touch a stranger’s head, face, or hair without asking (which honestly, is a solid rule in any destination). And if you get a massage, the practitioner might inquire if it’s okay before rubbing your temples.Cover Up in Certain AreasBangkok has a reputation for being a great party destination. Like Las Vegas or New Orleans, there are neighborhoods that go all night. Fashion is beloved, and you might be shocked at how many malls and open-air markets they’ve managed to pack into one city. Tank tops and shorts are fine to wear in most places, at most times. However, Bangkok is also deeply Buddhist, with large communities of Hindus and Muslims, as well as more conservative neighborhoods. If you are going to any sacred site, a temple or a mosque, your shoulders and legs should be covered. Ladies can pack a shawl to quickly cover up when needed, too.Lei Xu/DreamstimeMind the MonksSleep in and miss the pomp and circumstance of a uniquely Bangkok experience. The streets come alive at dawn as food hawkers clean woks and fruit vendors slice mangos. One of the most beautiful moments of Thai culture happens between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. The monks leave the temples and proceed barefoot in the streets. They hold out alms bowls, as breakfast is always gifted by the local people. While you might be tempted to take photos, it’s polite to just witness this serene scene and keep it as a memory. It is never okay to touch a monk in Thailand for any reason.somdul/iStockDon’t Buy the BuddhaAround Bangkok, you will see tables selling statues of the Buddha. It’s wise to keep walking. Thai law says it’s illegal to export the image of the Buddha, and tourists carrying a statue over four inches may be stopped in the airport unless they have specific permits.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings