When visiting another country, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with any customs that may be new to you. It's easy to blunderinto giving offense, particularly in Middle Eastern or Asian countries, where the difference can be significant. Here are a few tips forvisiting Thailand.
Dress conservatively! Particularly when visiting the temples and shrines. Dress neatly, as you would in your own house of worship. And cover up! No shorts, sleeveless or tank tops, nothing that bares the midriff, or that is too short. Go for the early sixties and you will be fine. You can wear shoes on the outside of the temple, but remove them when you are in the temple itself.
The statues of Buddha are a religious icons, and therefore sacred. Every one of them, no matter the size, or the state of repair. You may photograph them, but do not stand or sit on them. Do nothing that might be interpreted as disrespectful. Monks have no contact with women generally, and are forbidden to touch or be touched by one. So if you want to hand something to a monk (alms, perhaps), hand it to a man first to hand to the monk, or place it in his bowl. Never hand it directly to the monk.
Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.
The Thais set a lot of store on good manners and in handling things with a smile. If something goes wrong, a Thai is likely to smooth it over with a smile or a laugh. This is not an insult, or disrespectful. This is graceful living. So be gracious. Losing your temper is considered very bad form. If you must complain, do so with a smile.
The title "Khun" is a courtesy. A Thai may add this to your name or address you as such. It's also very common to call you by your first name on first meeting you.
It is not unusual if a Thai does not look at you while he or she is speaking with you. For a Thai, it is considered impolite to look someone in the eye when talking to them.
Don't touch a Thai on the head. And don't point your feet at anyone. It's considered very rude. Remove your shoes when entering a private home or temple.
Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a Wai. If someone greet you with a Wai, it is polite to do the same in return.
Dress conservatively! Particularly when visiting the temples and shrines. Dress neatly, as you would in your own house of worship. And cover up! No shorts, sleeveless or tank tops, nothing that bares the midriff, or that is too short. Go for the early sixties and you will be fine. You can wear shoes on the outside of the temple, but remove them when you are in the temple itself.
The statues of Buddha are a religious icons, and therefore sacred. Every one of them, no matter the size, or the state of repair. You may photograph them, but do not stand or sit on them. Do nothing that might be interpreted as disrespectful. Monks have no contact with women generally, and are forbidden to touch or be touched by one. So if you want to hand something to a monk (alms, perhaps), hand it to a man first to hand to the monk, or place it in his bowl. Never hand it directly to the monk.
Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.
The Thais set a lot of store on good manners and in handling things with a smile. If something goes wrong, a Thai is likely to smooth it over with a smile or a laugh. This is not an insult, or disrespectful. This is graceful living. So be gracious. Losing your temper is considered very bad form. If you must complain, do so with a smile.
The title "Khun" is a courtesy. A Thai may add this to your name or address you as such. It's also very common to call you by your first name on first meeting you.
It is not unusual if a Thai does not look at you while he or she is speaking with you. For a Thai, it is considered impolite to look someone in the eye when talking to them.
Don't touch a Thai on the head. And don't point your feet at anyone. It's considered very rude. Remove your shoes when entering a private home or temple.
Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a Wai. If someone greet you with a Wai, it is polite to do the same in return.
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