Thailand: What You Need to Know

Respect for the Royal Family – During our wonderful stay in Thailand we noted that the Thai people have the utmost respect for the Royal Family. Criticizing the Royal Family in any way deeply offends the Thais, and, in addition, it is a criminal offense called ‘lese majeste’

Placing portraits of the Royal Family in an appropriately high place in offices or homes, as a gesture of respect, will be appreciated by Thais.

Religious Places – Other things to carefully observe is when entering a religious place in Thailand: Some special section in Thai law concerning religious offenses. These cover Buddhism and other faiths represented in the kingdom. Here are some worth knowing before visiting Thailand:

• Dress politely; don’t go shirtless or wear immodest attire.
• Don’t wear shoes inside the chapel of any Buddhist temple.
• Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman.
• All Buddha images, large or small, ruined or not are regarded as sacred objects.
• In a mosque, men should wear hats, while women should wear slacks or long skirts, a long-sleeved blouse buttoned to the neck, and a scarf over the hair.

And one thing so common, shoes should be removed before entering.

Social Norms – In Thailand, a prayer-like gesture called ‘wai’, pressing of palms together is their normal way of greeting one another instead of the usual shaking of hands like we normally do.

In greeting, Thais will say Sawadee Krap if a male or Sawadee Kha if female simultaneously with the wai. This is what they also use when saying goodbye.

When saying ‘thank you’ they will sometimes perform the wai with or without saying Kob Khun. The younger, or the lower-ranking person, should be the one to make the wai first.

Other Dos and Don’ts

• Thais believe the head is the most sacred part of the body. Thus, refrain from touching the head.
• The feet are considered the lowest part of the body; don’t rest your feet, or put your shoes, on a table and don’t point your feet to anyone’s direction.
• Thais have their highest regard about their religion, so don’t wear immodest attire at a temple, don’t climb Buddha images, and always remove your shoes before entering a temple.
• Displays of affection between sexes in public places are a no-no. Don’t sunbathe topless.
• Thais are quite respectful of Westerners and some may try their English on you. Don’t be offended by questions about your age, salary and marital status; they don’t mean to be intrusive.
• “Sanuk” is a Thai word describing every thing that is fun, enjoyable and gives pleasure. This is often combined with the phrase ‘mai pen rai’ (never mind).
• Keep your voice at a moderate level always. Never shout or speak loudly as Thais are usually very quiet, polite people and they regard a loud voice as ill-mannered.