Dos and Don'ts in Thailand
Thailand is a rather liberal country and Thai people
are very accepting of the differences in the behaviour
of foreigners. Generally, the need to save face means
that Thai people will not draw attention to it if you
have made a mistake or comment if you have offended them,
so it is up to you to be aware of expectations. However,
there are a few things which are guaranteed to cause offence
and should be avoided when possible. The Monarchy All
Thai people think very highly of the royal family and
will not permit criticism. In fact, Thailand’s lèse majesté
laws mean that criticising the king can result in 7 years
imprisonment, which applies to both Thais and foreigners.
Pictures of the king should also be treated with respect
and if placed on the wall – as they are in most homes
and businesses – must hold pride of place. Defiling a
picture of the king also carries a serious penalty, as
a tourist in Chiang Mai discovered when he drunkenly drew
a moustache on an image of the king. He was sentenced
to 50 years imprisonment, but was later pardoned by the
king and released. Religion Always dress ‘politely’ when
entering a temple or religious shrine. Many temples require
you to cover your knees and shoulders and it is very important
to remember to remove your shoes. Shoes should also be
removed when entering private homes and some shops. Buddha
Images Buddha images are sacred and must be treated with
respect. Never climb on a Buddha image, and be very careful
about taking photos – some images are so sacred that photographs
are forbidden. When sitting on the floor, you must be
careful not to point your feet at a Buddha image. Sit
with your legs crossed or with your feet tucked to the
side, the soles pointing backwards. Monks Women must be
careful not to touch monks as they are forbidden female
contact. If a woman wants to give something to a monk
it must first be given to another man or put on a piece
of cloth. Often, special seats are allocated on public
transport for monks only, be careful to avoid them and
give up your seat for a monk if there are none available.
Head and Feet In Thailand, the head is very scared, whilst
the feet are seen as unclean. Be careful not to touch
a Thai on the head and avoid touching them with your feet
or pointing to things with your feet. Saving Face In Thailand
it is considered very impolite to shout and show of anger,
regardless of the situation. General Showing affection
between partners such as kissing and cuddling in public
is frowned upon – especially amongst older Thais. Although
it may not seem like it, Thailand is actually quite conservative
and people do not appreciate seeing too much bare skin.
Men should avoid walking topless as what are often mistaken
for looks of appreciation are actually shares of disgust!
Spaghetti tops, sleeveless tops and bottom revealing micro
shorts should also be avoided. Smoking and dropping litter
in the street are illegal a 2,000 Baht fine awaits anyone
who is caught.
Thailand
Northern Thailnd
Chiang Mai
| Chiang Rai
| Mae Hong Son | Sukhothai | Lumpang | Petchaboon | Phitsanulok
| Tak North
North Eastern Thailand
Khon Khen | Buriram | Loei | Nakhon Ratchasima | Nong
Khai | Nakhon Phanom | Ubon | Ratchthani |
Udon Thani | Uthai Thani
Eastern Thailand
Pattaya | Chonburi | Rayong | Trat
Central Thailand
Bangkok |
Ayutthaya | Sukothai | Kanchanaburi | Phetchaburi
| Prachuap | Khiri Khan | Lop Buri | Nakhon Nayok | Nakhon
Pathom | Ratchaburi | Samutprakarn
Southern Thailand
Koh Samet \ Phuket \ Krabi \ Phang-Nga Phuket \ Ranong
\ Songkhla \ Surat Thani \ Trang \ Chumphon \ Nakhon Si
Thammarat \ Narathiwat
