(1) the way to get along
Thailand is famous for its tolerance and hospitality. They show a smile and humility to everyone. Ordinary travelers can easily adapt to local customs. But here are some special tips:
(2) Monarchical system
Traditionally, Thais have deep respect for members of the royal family. Tourists should respect Tai Huang, Empress Dowager Cixi and their children. For example, every morning at 08:00 and evening at 18: 00, when the national anthem is played in public places, you should stand. If you attend a public place with members of the royal family, the best way is to observe and imitate the etiquette of the people present.
(3) religious microcosmic
Thailand's laws have many chapters on religious violations, including Buddhism and other faiths with the largest number of followers. All Buddha statues, big or small, intact or broken, are sacred. Please don't climb the Buddha The general requirement is not to "disrespect" the Buddha statue. Dress neatly when visiting Buddhist temples-don't be topless or wear shorts or sleeveless shirts. You shouldn't wear shoes to enter the temple hall where the Buddha statue is enshrined. Please take off your shoes at will. The floors of temple halls are generally clean. Buddhist monks are forbidden to contact with ladies. If you want to give something to a monk, you should first give it to a man to do it for him. A long-sleeved coat is buttoned to the neck and covered with a towel.
(4) Social customs
Thai people will put their hands together when greeting, which looks like praying. Thais call it "wai". Generally speaking, some people will say hello to the elderly first, and then the elderly will return the gift together.
Thais believe that the head is the highest part of the body, and it is not allowed to pat anyone on the head, even as a friendly gesture. If you accidentally touch someone's head, you should apologize to him quickly.
Similarly, the foot is considered to be the lowest part of the body. Don't point your foot at people or objects. Don't touch anyone with your feet. Don't put your hands on the table or chair. Don't cross people's bodies, please walk around or politely ask them to move. When sitting on the floor, you should also keep your feet away from anyone. It is unacceptable to show love in public. You may have seen some very westernized young couples holding hands, but this is only common in enlightened communities. In Thai society, losing your temper is the worst policy. Thais think this represents despicable behavior.
Second, the local customs:
(1) Thailand's taboos about life pay tribute to the royal family:
Thais respect their king, queen and royal family very much, so it is absolutely prudent to criticize the royal family in front of others. Thai law punishes disrespect for the royal family. Therefore, tourists should pay attention to showing proper manners. For example, when there are royal people present in public, it is best to pay attention to the actions of others and follow suit. As a tourist, when you hear that the national anthem of Thailand is playing, you should immediately stop your activities and stand still. Dress up:
Thai temples are recognized as holy places by Thai people. Please dress appropriately and dignified when entering the Buddhist temple. You are not allowed to wear any short skirts, shorts or topless clothes. When entering Buddhist temples, Muslim temples or private houses, tourists need to take off their shoes and be careful not to step on the threshold.
Thai women:
Generally speaking, Thai women are more conservative. Please don't touch them without their consent.
Unclean left hand:
Thais believe that people's right hand is clean, while their left hand is unclean. The left hand can only be used to take some unclean things. So holding important things with your left hand will attract disgust. Left-handed people can be careless in daily life, but absolutely not in formal occasions. On more formal occasions, it should be presented with both hands, and using the left hand will be considered as contempt for others. Thais eat with their right hands, and they also use their right hands when handing things to others as a sign of respect. If you have to use your left hand, you should say "left hand, please forgive me" first.
The soles of the feet are not clean:
Like the left hand, the sole of the foot is considered unclean. Avoid putting your feet on the table when sitting. Hitting people or pointing people with your toes will be severely reprimanded. Never lift your feet at the Buddha.
Thai people think that feet are despicable and can only be used for walking, but they can't do other things, such as kicking the door with their feet and pointing at things with their toes. When sitting, don't tilt your feet and point your feet at others. Women are strict when they sit down, and their legs must be close together, otherwise they will be considered uncivilized and uneducated.
Matters needing attention in public places:
In public places in Thailand, don't do anything that is detrimental to style, such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands, which is considered to be against local customs. In addition, nude sunbathing is only allowed on some beaches. In other places, Thais don't like this behavior. Although it does not constitute a crime, it violates Thai Buddhist philosophy. Thai men and women pay attention to giving and receiving, even when dancing in public, they can't touch their bodies.
(2) social etiquette taboos in Thailand
When Thai people greet each other, they don't use the typical handshake, but put their hands together as if praying. Thais call it "wai". Generally speaking, the younger one greets the older one first, and then the older one greets with his hands folded.
It is impolite to point at others with your lower limbs. So sit with people to avoid this situation. Or if you signal something to someone, please use your hands instead of your feet.
Thais believe that "head" is the highest part of the body in word meaning or symbolic sense. Therefore, they are not allowed to pat anyone on the head, even as a friendly gesture. Similarly, observing Thai social gatherings, young people will deliberately lower their heads in front of the elderly, so as not to be higher than the height of the elderly, so as not to leave the impression of "looking down" on the elderly. Admittedly, this is not always possible, but their efforts are valuable.
It is unacceptable to publicly declare love between men and women. You may have seen some very westernized young couples holding hands, but this is only common in enlightened communities.
In Thailand, losing one's temper is the worst policy, especially for public development. As for what you want, you won't succeed. Thais consider this a despicable act. However, it is the best policy to keep calm and calm your emotions, and you will feel comfortable with what you want.
Don't be surprised if Thais call you by your first name instead of your last name, such as Mr. Booker or Ms. Mary. Because that's what they call each other. Generally, "Kun" (Mr., Mrs. and Ms.) is addressed before the name. On the trip, if you do as the Romans do, you can make friends. Moreover, the wider the friendship, the greater the desire to return.
(3) Other taboos:
Thais don't need to sign their names with a red pen, because after death, Thais should write their surnames on the coffin mouth with a red pen. Thais prefer red and yellow to brown. People are used to using colors to indicate 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 according to different dates. White used to be used for funerals, but now it is changed to black. It is forbidden to dry clothes, especially underwear and socks, in places where people often walk around, such as doorways and roofs.
In some rural areas, it is forbidden to praise other people's children for their beauty. You can't carry water on the lamp. Thai people hold loi krathong every year on the full moon of 65438+February in Thai calendar, which is the most lively festival in Thailand. When you look at the water lamp, you must pay attention. No matter how delicate and beautiful it is, never pick it up, or you will be severely punished.
Issues to avoid talking about: politics, corruption, royalty. Even among friends, they don't like to talk about personal problems.
If you have offended others, smile, apologize by saying "I'm sorry" and put your hands together. Take off your shoes before entering the Thai house. Don't step on the threshold. If the host sits on the floor, the guest should do the same. Don't cross your legs, bend your legs under your body and don't show your feet.
It is best to choose packaged food, candy, etc. as gifts for Thai people. Give them to the recipient with your right hand. If a Thai gives you a gift, you should put your hands together to express your gratitude, and then accept the gift. Don't open it in front of you unless someone asks.