Customs and taboos

Royal taboos

1. Thai people respect their king, queen and royal family very much, so they must be absolutely cautious when criticizing the royal family in front of others. , Thai law has penalties for disrespecting the royal family. Therefore, tourists should be careful to display appropriate etiquette. For example, when royal family members are present in public places, it is best to pay attention to the actions of other people and follow suit.

2. As a tourist, when you hear the Thai national anthem being played, you should stop your activities immediately and stand in silence.

Social etiquette

1. When Thais greet each other, they do not use the typical handshake, but put their hands together as if praying; Thais call it "wai". Generally speaking, the younger ones greet the older ones first, and the older ones then return the greeting and join hands.

2. It is impolite to point at others with your lower limbs. Therefore, this situation should be avoided when sitting across from others. Or if, to indicate anything to someone, use your hands instead of your feet.

3. Thai people believe that the "head" is the highest part of the body, literally or symbolically. Therefore, they are not allowed to pat anyone on the head, even if it is a friendly gesture. Similarly, when observing Thai people at social gatherings, young people will deliberately lower their heads in front of older people, to no higher than the height of the older people, so as not to leave the impression of "looking down" on them.

4. Public declarations of love between men and women are unacceptable. You may have seen some very westernized young couples holding hands, but this is only common in enlightened communities.

5. In Thailand, losing your temper is the last resort, especially if you lose your temper openly, you will not be able to get what you want. Thais believe that this represents a despicable manner. However, staying calm and keeping your emotions in check is the best strategy, and you will get what you want.

6. Don’t be surprised if Thai people call you by your first name instead of your surname, such as Mr. Booker or Ms. Mary. Because this is how they call each other, usually with the honorific "Kun" (Mr., Mrs., Ms.) before their names.

7. Generally, Thai women are relatively conservative. Please do not touch them (body) without their consent.

8. Thai people believe that the right hand is clean but the left hand is unclean. The left hand can only be used to pick up unclean things. Therefore, holding important things with your left hand will be frowned upon. Left-handers can ignore it in daily life, but definitely not in formal situations. In more formal occasions, it is necessary to offer the gift with both hands. Using the left hand is considered to be contemptuous of others. Thais eat with their right hand and use their right hand when passing things to others to show respect. If you have to use your left hand as a last resort, you should first say "Left hand, please forgive me."

9. Like the left hand, the soles of the feet are also considered unclean. Avoid putting your feet on the table while sitting. If you bump someone with your toes or point at someone, you will be severely scolded, and you must never point your feet towards the Buddha. Thai people think that the feet are humble and can only be used for walking and cannot do other things, such as kicking doors with their feet and pointing at things with their toes. When sitting, do not raise your feet or point the soles of your feet toward others. When women sit down, the requirements are stricter and their legs must be close together, otherwise they will be considered uncivilized and lacking in education.

10. In public places in Thailand, do not make actions that are disgraceful, such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands. This is considered to be inconsistent with local customs. In addition, nude sunbathing is only allowed on certain beaches. In other places, Thais do not like this behavior. Although it does not constitute a crime, it goes against Thai Buddhist concepts. Thai men and women are very particular about giving and receiving. Even when dancing in public, physical contact is not allowed.

11. Thai people do not use red pen to sign, because after a Thai person dies, he or she must write his or her surname on the coffin with a red pen. Thai people like red and yellow, but taboo brown. People are accustomed to using colors to represent different dates: Sunday is red, Monday is yellow, Tuesday is pink, Wednesday is green, Thursday is orange, Friday is light blue, and Saturday is purple. People often wear different colors of clothing according to different dates.

In the past, white was used for funerals, but now it is black.

12. It is forbidden to hang clothes, especially pants and socks, in places where people often pass by, such as doorways and roofs.

13. In some rural areas, it is forbidden to praise other people’s children for their beauty.

14. Can’t pick water lanterns. Thai people hold the Loy Krathong Festival every December during the full moon of the Thai calendar. This is the most lively festival in Thailand. When watching the water lanterns, you must be careful. No matter how delicate and beautiful the water lanterns are, you must not pick them up, otherwise you will be severely punished.

15. Issues to avoid talking about: politics, corruption, members of the royal family. Even among friends, they don't like to talk about personal issues.

16. If you have offended someone, smile, say "I'm sorry" to express your apology, and put your hands together.

17. You must take off your shoes before entering a Thai house and do not step on the threshold. If the host sits on the floor, the guests should behave similarly. Don't cross your feet, curl your legs under your body, and don't expose the soles of your feet.

18. When giving gifts to Thai people, it is best to use packaged food, candies, etc. and hand them to the recipient with your right hand. If a Thai person gives you a gift, you should put your hands together to express your gratitude to them before accepting the gift. Unless the other person wants you to open it, don't open it in person.

Religious taboos

1. Thai temples are sacred places recognized by Thai people. Please dress modestly and modestly when entering Buddhist temples. Wearing any short skirts, shorts or topless tops will not be allowed. When entering a Buddhist temple, mosque or private residence, visitors are required to take off their shoes and be careful not to step on the threshold.

2. Before visiting a Buddhist temple, check your clothing. People with bare chests and backs and those wearing shorts or vests are not allowed to enter. Even people whose shirts are not tucked into their pants and whose sleeves are rolled up on their arms are not allowed to enter. The entrance to the Buddhist temple. Visitors are required to take off their shoes before entering the Buddhist temple; otherwise, they will be regarded as defiling the temple. If tourists act rashly towards temples, Buddha statues, or monks, it is considered a heinous sin. Be especially careful when taking pictures of Buddha statues. You must not climb up to take pictures of Buddha statues.

3. Do not touch the Buddha statues or climb any Buddha statues inside or outside the temple. Respect all Buddha statues, no matter how big or small. Do not put the Buddha statue in your trouser pocket. Thai people believe that touching the lower part of the body with the Buddha is a desecration of the Buddha statue. You cannot point your fingers at the monk, you cannot touch (the body of) the monk. In particular, women are not allowed to shake hands with monks, and are not allowed to sit next to monks in cars. Even if a monk comes to say hello (which is often encountered by foreign women), they should politely keep their distance.

4. If a woman wants to give something to a monk, she should ask a man to hand it over. If she wants to give it in person, the monk will open a yellow robe or handkerchief to accept the thing handed over by the woman. Monks are not allowed to touch women.

5. When meeting female nuns, men should also be careful not to touch their bodies.

6. When you meet a monk asking for alms, you must not give cash, because this is an act that violates the monk's precepts.

7. When you meet a monk on the road on a sunny day, if you pass in front of the monk, you must avoid the monk's figure. According to Buddhism, the figure of the monk is the monk himself. Crossing the figure of the monk is equivalent to crossing the monk. This is a sign of disrespect for the monk.

8. Before taking photos of monks, you should ask for permission and express your gratitude politely after taking photos.

9. Some of Thai laws are about protecting religions. These laws not only refer to Buddhism, but also include other domestic faiths. People who do not understand religious taboos will arouse resentment in others even if they do not intentionally insult religion. In the mosque, men should wear hats, women should wear trousers or long skirts, and their hair should be wrapped with a scarf. You must also take off your shoes when entering a mosque.