Thai Culture: Do’s & Dont’s

Written by Team Expique
Published: February 3, 2021

When travelling to Thailand you might have no idea what you should or shouldn’t do as the culture might be different. Here are some guidelines you should follow.

Smile

Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles”. It, therefore, goes without saying that smiling is very important while you are travelling and smiling can mean so many things. During our tour, you are going to meet so many people especially local people. It’s better to smile as much as you can at Thai people and they will in return, welcome you and be friendlier.

Dress Respectfully

Dress properly when visiting temples and royal palaces. Both men and women should avoid wearing clothes that reveal skin. Make sure your shirt covers shoulders and your pants or skirt cover your knees. If you are not sure about what you are wearing, then just change it.

Do Not Touch the Monk

Monks are not allowed to touch females since it is forbidden by religious rules. Therefore, ladies, don’t touch a monk or don’t directly pass anything to them. Otherwise, you will cause a problem.

Stand for the National and Royal Anthems

In Thailand, on TV, radio, and public places, the National anthem will be played at 8 am and 6 pm every day. You have to stop doing whatever you do are doing and stand still until the song is over. This is the way to show respect. Same as Royal anthems – mostly played in theatre before the movie is started.

Do Not Hug and Kiss in Public (Couple)

Thailand is a conservative country, so hugging and kissing in public places is considered impolite in Thai society. Though nowadays it’s more acceptable, still some old people take it seriously.

Do Not Show Disrespect Toward the Thai Royal Family

Be careful if you say or ask anything about the royal family especially in public. Some guides may be comfortable answering your questions, others may not, it varies significantly. There is even a law protecting them from bad comments. It’s totally a big deal. You might end up in prison. Another interesting example of this is you shouldn’t step on or over banknotes or coins as there is a picture of the royal family on them.

Do Not Point Your Feet to Others

In Thailand, your head is considered a good and clean thing as it is the highest part of the body. Whereas your feet are considered a bad and dirty thing. It is very rude to raise your feet above someone else’s head especially pointing your feet to Buddha image in a temple.

Take Off Your Shoes

Thai people always bare feet at home. Remember before you step into someone’s house, you should always take off your shoes. (Unless they allowed you to wear them inside) As your shoes might get some dirt along the way. And it’s not a good manner to take something dirty inside someone’s house. Same as at temples or other private buildings, you will notice that there’s a sign written: “please take off your shoes” at the entrance.

DO NOT stress about this information that I am giving you. If you are on tour you can ask your guide about what you can or cannot do when you are in Thailand. However, do not forget to be careful, respect, and be mindful of these rules.

Explore Thailand with Expique

At Expique our mission is to help people discover the real Bangkok (and beyond) and the local cultures. We do this through a combination of offering our own award winning tours and through producing informative content.

Our range of experiences in Bangkok including our award winning Bangkok Night Lights Tuk Tuk Tour and our foodie extravaganza Evening Food & Tuk Tuk Adventure.