Do's and Don'ts traditions in Thailand

Do's and Don'ts traditions in Thailand.

Don'ts traditons in Thailand

1.Don't touch someone's head: While the feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest parts of the body, the head is considered the most sacred. Never touch someone's head or hair; this includes playfully ruffling a child's hair. Avoid stepping over people who are sitting or sleeping on the ground

2.Don't point your feet: Pointing your feet at someone, raising your feet higher than someone's head, or simply putting your feet onto a desk or chair is considered extremely rude in Thailand. On that same note, avoid pointing your feet at Buddha statues as well. To follow strict Thailand etiquette, you should not cross your legs when sitting on the ground

3.Don't point: Pointing at someone is considered rude in many cultures, but particularly so in Thailand. If you must indicate someone, do so by lifting your chin in their direction. Whem motioning for someone to come over, wave your hand with fingers straight and palm down. Pointing as inanimate objects and animals is usually acceptable

4.Don't disrespect the king: The King of Thailand is the world's oldest monarch and the Thai people love him dearly. Never disrespect the king or images of the king, this includes currency. Openly disrespecting the king can mean imprisonment with an option for the death penalty!

5.Don't wear shorts/strapless/tank top / spaghetti strap :when you visit the temple or  the official place.

6.Don't touch, hug or kiss Thais when you meet them. Thai people are not familiar with this kind of body language. It may be, as some have observed, that we Asians are shy. In general, any physical contact (apart, these days, from a handshake) is considered inappropriate.

7.Don’t cross your legs when you are in the presence of a monk. This applies whether you are sitting on the floor or in a chair.

8.Don’t touch a Thai woman without consent. Despite the image portrayed in some bars and clubs, the majority of Thai women are conservative.

9.Don’t be overly affectionate in public. This has changed in recent years and younger Thai couples can be seen holding hands, but snogging your boyfriend or girlfriend in the middle of the shopping mall won’t win you too many friends. As with many things, Thais know that behaviour in the West is different to Thailand so you won’t be chased out of town for holding hands with your partner, but resist the temptation to do so inside temple grounds.

10.Don’t be offended by questions about age, marital status or what you do for a living. These are subjects that will often come up in small-talk. Of course, you don’t have to answer (especially the question about age), you can just smile and just say it’s a secret or ‘mai bok’ (‘not telling’).

11.Don’t overstay your visa.

Do's traditions in Thailand


1. Remove your shoes: As in many Asian cultures, removing your shoes before your enter a temple or someone's home is essential. Some businesses, restaurants, and shops also ask that you remove your shoes. If unsure, just look to see if there is a pile of shoes at the entrance, or check to see if the staff are wearing shoes.

2. Return a wai: The wai is Thailand's prayer-like gesture with the hands together in front and head slightly bowed. To not return a wai is considered impolite; only the king and monks do not have to return wais. Never attempt a wai while holding something. Read more about how to say hello in Thai.

3. Use your right hand: The left hand is considered dirty, as it is sometimes used for 'functions' in the squat toilet. Always use your right hand to pass objects and when paying. Touch your left hand to your right forearm if you wish to show extra respect.

4.Eat with a spoon: The proper way to delicious Thai food is with the spoon in your right hand and fork in your left. Use the fork to rake food onto your spoon; the fork never goes into the mouth. Chopsticks are usually only used for noodle dishes and treats such as spring rolls. See how to use chopsticks.

5.Show respect to monks or the Buddha image: You will encounter many monks in places such as Chiang Mai; treat them with respect. When greeting a monk, monks receive a higher wai than ordinary people; monks do not have to return your gesture. Women should never touch a monk, brush a monk's robes, or hand something to a monk. Monks should be allowed to eat first at ceremonies and gatherings. Read more about etiquette for visiting Buddhist temples.

6.Smile: The Thai smile is famous, essential to Thailand etiquette, and Thais show it whenever they can. Always return someone's smile. Smiles are used during negotiation, in apology, to relax whenever something goes not as planned, and just in everyday life.

7.Do lower your body slightly when passing between or in front of people.








Reference :tourismthailand./  cha-am.thaivisa.com/goasia/Thaizer