Your guide to etiquette in the land of smiles
As regular travellers around the region, we’ve made quite a few faux pas on foreign shores. And we’re not counting the times that our kids have stuck chopsticks up their nostrils. We thought we’d save you from our mistakes and prep you with what to do and what not to do when you get out and about beyond Singapore.
This the second installment of our Culture Savvy series and this time we focus on the land of smiles – Thailand. Armed with our culturally sensitive checklist you will be well versed in local practices before you touch down.
Spirituality and Places of Worship
- Respect Buddhism, as religion is central to the Thai culture and plays a very important part in daily life.
- It is against the law to disrespect a Buddha image. Do not touch a Buddha image, climb on top of it or sit next to it, even for a picture.
- Always remove shoes and hat when entering temples.
- Do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha – sit either cross-legged, or with feet tucked behind you.
- Dress conservatively and preferably in white. Cover knees and shoulders, and avoid sleeveless shirts, flip-flops, short skirts or hot pants.
- If you are a lady, DO NOT touch a monk, even by accident. If you would like to give the monk something, do not place the item directly in his hands – instead, place it on a cloth that is specially provided for this purpose.
- Photography is not allowed in many temples.
- Speak softly temples, especially in the presence of worshipping monks.
The King
- Thai people have a deep respect for their King and will not tolerate any disrespect against him or the monarchy. Respect for the King is also law and you can go to jail for being disrespectful.
- Never damage (step on, tear or deface) anything that has the image of the King on it.
- As a tourist, it’s best not to raise discussions about current political disharmony amongst locals and enquire as to the King’s position on this. These are domestic matters that divide a lot of people.
Greetings
- Instead of shaking hands, Thais ‘wai’ to greet people. Thais shy away from touching and being physically close to a person they don’t know well. The ‘wai’ is a short bow done with hands folded together, close to your chest or face. Never ‘wai’ someone of lower status – it will only embarrass them.
- Thais address each other with their first names prefixed with “Khun”.
Service
- Do not shout, argue or lose your temper – loud voices and angry talk are counterproductive in Thailand, as Thais value keeping ‘face’. For Thais, only fools, insane people and people of poor upbringing lose their temper in public.
- Smile as much as possible, as a smiling face is a sign of respect toward surrounding people. It will get you what you want faster than any demonstration of anger. Remember, Thailand is also known as ‘the land of smiles’.
- When beckoning waiters (or anyone) or hailing taxis, do so with your palm down and fingers straight with an up and down movement keep your hand horizontal, fingers facing down. Holding your hand with fingers up is unacceptable. Never clap, snap your fingers, or whistle – that is the Thai way of calling a dog, not a person.
General Dress Codes
- Dress modestly and keep your attire clean. It is considered a form of respect to society to dress well – Thai people do not appreciate why someone who is financially capable of travelling to their country cannot afford a decent wardrobe.
- On a Thai beach, do not go topless – it is seen as incredibly disrespectful.
Socialising and Etiquette
- Do not touch anyone’s head, not even the cutest child – Thais consider the head to be the most superior and sacred part of the human body. Thais believe that the soul resides in the head and only family members or monks are allowed to touch heads.
- Do not point your feet towards or show the soles of your feet to anyone. Opposite to the head, the feet are considered to be the most unclean part of the body (as they are the lowest body part of the anatomy) and pointing your feet at someone is considered highly insulting.
- Do not close doors with your feet either, and never put your feet up on a desk or table. Ensure your feet are flat on the ground at all times.
- Throwing things before someone else is considered extremely rude.
- Kissing and displays of physical affection other than holding hands or walking with your arms around each other are considered very impolite in Thailand. Buddhism teaches to be modest and reserved, and Thais will feel embarrassed if you kiss in their presence.
- Treat books with respect – never place a book on the floor (always put it on a table or chair), and never throw a book. Books must be treated with utmost respect
Authorities
- In the unfortunate event that you ever have to deal with The Royal Thai Police (widely seen as corrupt by Western standards), expect to have to pay for their presence if they are called to the site of an incident. Furthermore, it is usually the word of the Thais that is believed over you, the foreigner.For more information, go to Tourism Thailand
Images courtesy of Tourism Thailand Facebook