Thai Social Customs and Conventions

Your stay in Thailand, and interactions with Thais, will be enhanced by following a few rules and courtesies.

1. Never lose your temper. Most misunderstandings and disputes are better solved by smiling, lowering your voice, and explaining your concerns, than by arguing.
2. The concept of “sanuk” (fun) permeates Thai society at every level. Everything is expected to have a fun element to it, including work. Nearly every person and situation may trigger fits of laughter. If it’s you (due to a fall, or bumping into a low-hanging sign), laugh along, and enjoy the Thais’ easy humor.
3. Always show respect for the Royal family. Do not joke about royal matters or individuals, or make negative comments. Thais love their king and queen, and you will gain a great measure of respect by respecting them in your conversation. Do not let your feet or shoes touch images of the royal family. Since the King’s picture is on all Thai money, do not hide Baht notes in your shoes, or stop money from blowing/rolling away by stepping on it.
4. Dress according to protocol, especially in temples and government buildings, including national museums. Except when engaging in sport or exotic travel, Thais rarely wear shorts, cut-off pants, or tank-tops. You will be denied entrance in temples unless you wear full-length pants or longer skirts. When entering these venues, women should not wear sleeveless tops. Shoes must be removed when entering temple grounds, so wearing easily-removed sandals is recommended.
5. Thais greet each other and thank each other by placing their hands together, and bowing slightly, in a gesture called the “wai.” There is an elaborate protocol surrounding the placement of hands and the depth of the bow, depending on station in life. Westerners are not expected to understand the intricacies of the wai, and our experience is that shaking hands and bowing your head slightly is appreciated by Thais, in response to their waiing you.
6. Thais generally greet and refer to each by first name, with the title “Khun” preceding the first name. Doing the same will ingratiate you to Thais.
7. Take care not to point the soles of your feet to Thai individuals, or Buddha images.
8. As a rule, shoes are not worn in Thai houses, nor in many shops. If you see a pile of shoes at the front door, follow suit and leave yours there as well, prior to entering.
9. The head is considered sacred, so do not touch the heads of Thais, including children.
10. Buddha images are respected, so please refrain from touching the images, or taking photos of them with you or your friends in the picture.
11. Monks are revered in Thai society. Women are not allowed to touch monks, or hand them anything directly. Instead, place the object in front of the monk, or hand it to a nearby attendant.