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Understanding The Thai Culture And Helpful Etiquette Tips
Having made 2 wonderful trips to Thailand over the years, I thought I would offer some helpful travel tips and etiquette on …
The Thai Culture
The Thai people are lovely and when traveling to any foreign country, it’s important to {recognize and respect} the customs of its people.
Unfortunately, there have been incidents where visitors to a foreign country have been arrested, for choosing to ignore and being disrespectful of that country’s culture and customs.
The Thai Culture And A Few Simple Rules Of Etiquette
In Thailand, their culture differs greatly from our way of life here in North America, Europe and other similar countries. So before arriving, here are a few things to keep in mind and practice during your visit.
I encourage everyone visiting a foreign destination to respect the; people, local customs and culture.
A Few Do’s and Do Not’s Regarding The Thai Culture
Do Smile
This country is internationally known as the … Land of Smiles!
Unlike us in the west, we generally smile as a greeting gesture or show of kindness. In Thailand however, people smile for a variety of reasons.
They smile to; say hello or thank you, to make a request, to apologize, to smooth over bad feelings or even to show embarrassment. For example, if you order something to eat that isn’t to your liking and you happen to complain, you may receive a smile.
Don’t be alarmed or assume that they’re just making fun of you, or laughing at you.
Do Show Respect for The King
Thai people show a great respect for their King and they also expect you to do so as well. Typically, their {National Anthem} is played twice a day, usually at {8am and 6pm} and also at movie theatres. Everyone is expected to stand while it is being played.
Never make a joke or an insult about their; King or the Royal Family.
Note
During our 2 visits to Thailand over the years, I don’t recall hearing their anthem, or taking notice of this tradition at all. However, it’s still good to know.
The current monarch of Thailand is – King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Do Respect the Buddha Religion
Always be kind and show respect for this country’s main religion, which is for the Buddha.
As well, there are many Monks walking about most everywhere in Thailand. Always be kind, smile and never be afraid to approach and to talk with them. When visiting Temples, wear appropriate clothing (no shorts or tank tops) and remove your shoes as well.
You may be interested in my feature post and photos on the beautiful …
Grand Palace in Bangkok
Traditionally, it is considered inappropriate for women to touch a monk, so be careful should you wish to have your picture taken with them.
Religious Objects
Everywhere you walk, you will come upon small and large religious shrines. Do respect these at all times and never touch or move them. The Thai people have many traditional beliefs and for some, disrupting their temples or shrines
can cause a disruption of harmonious balance.
Do Not Touch a Thai Person on the Head
This is taboo and the head is considered sacred in their culture.
To touch the head would be offensive to them, and very inappropriate on your part. As an example and in the picture above, you would never approach this woman street vendor and get her attention by tapping her on the head.
A Big No No!
Do Not Point Your Feet
Not something that we found a problem at any time during our stay in Thailand, but traditionally one should not point their feet at a Thai person, or at anything for that matter of a sacred meaning.
I would be more mindful of this in traditional places, such as with Monks and in Temples and so forth. Not something to really worry about in most tourist areas, as the Thai people have become more accustomed to our lack of knowledge regarding their customs.
As well, one should not step over anyone, but instead, walk around them. This is a matter of respect in the Thai culture.
Whiteness is a Symbol of Beauty
We spent the majority of time on the beautiful beaches of Thailand. Traditionally for Thai people, they believe the lighter the skin of a Thai person, the higher in status one is in their culture.
I don’t think this is as important today as it once used to be, traditionally for the Thai people.
Dogs In Thailand
Thai people’s attitudes to animals are shaped by; Theravada Buddhism. It is of this religious belief, that killing animals is wrong and should not be practiced.
Dogs are free to roam most everywhere, so don’t be alarmed if one is sleeping by your feet in your hotel lobby. Luckily, we never encountered a vicious dog during our travels throughout Thailand.
Regardless, it’s always good to be cautious around a stray animal, wherever you may be traveling in the world.
There you have it, just a few things on the Thai Culture and etiquette, to think about when you travel to this beautiful country in South East Asia. On both our visits to Thailand over the years, we have found the Thai people to be very friendly and helpful to foreign visitors.
Below, I have also included a link to the Official Thailand Tourism website. Here, you can access everything you need to know when planning a trip to this beautiful country.
Tourism Thailand
Thailand Travel Update: Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Beginning May 01, 2025, all visitors to Thailand will be required to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online, before entering the country. This will now be required for all visitors, including previously exempt Passport holders.
Be sure to check out the {Google Map} box at the bottom of this post for Thailand’s exact location.
Safe and Healthy Travels!
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“Thailand Is Made Up Of Approximately 1,430 islands. Many Of Their Islands Have Become Famous For Being Featured In Hollywood Films.”
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