If you’re planning a visit to Thailand, there are some customs and traditions you should know about before you go.
Knowing about the culture and customs of a country can help you to make the most of your trip, and ensure that you don’t end up inadvertently offending the locals.
With that in mind, here are seven customs in Thailand you should know about before visiting.
1. Respect the Monarchy: The Thai monarchy is highly respected, and you should always show respect when talking about the king or royal family. Images of the king and royal family are also highly respected, so avoid touching or disrespecting them.
2. Don’t Touch People’s Heads: In Thailand, the head is considered to be sacred, so you should never touch someone else’s head, or even point at someone’s head with your finger.
3. Don’t Point Your Feet: Pointing your feet at someone or something is considered to be rude. If you’re sitting in a temple, for example, make sure to tuck your feet away so that they’re not pointing at anyone or anything.
4. Use a Wai: Thais greet each other with a “wai”, which is a gesture that involves pressing your palms together in front of your chest and bowing your head slightly. It’s polite to return a wai when someone greets you in this way.
5. Don’t Lose Your Temper: Losing your temper in public is considered to be very rude. Even if someone else is in the wrong, try to remain calm and polite.
6. Dress Respectfully: When visiting temples and other sacred places, it’s important to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and legs, and avoiding clothing with offensive messages or images.
7. Remove Your Shoes: In many places, such as temples and some homes, it’s expected that you will remove your shoes. Keep an eye out for signs that indicate you should do this, and make sure your feet are clean before entering.
By familiarizing yourself with these customs before visiting Thailand, you’ll be sure to have a great trip and avoid any embarrassing cultural faux pas. Have fun, and enjoy your time in the Land of Smiles!