With Thailand becoming increasingly more accessible for travelers of all age, nationality and IQ level, it’s starting to become quite common to see embarrassing situations where people act in ways that would be completely normal in other destinations, but raise an eyebrow or two here in Thailand.
As Thai and western culture are very different it’s very important for the conscientious traveler to do a little research on the customs of Thailand, so here is our own list of things to consider to make your trip to The Land of Smiles as wonderful as we lucky farangs who live here find it every day!
- Dress Properly
It’s all well and good to walk up and down the beach in your bikini or Speedo (please God stop people wearing Speedos) but Thai people do not appreciate you in the same beachwear when walking the streets, so please cover up when you leave the beach! Men shouldn’t really be walking around topless, and girls should cover themselves with a sarong – also topless sunbathing is a BIG no-no ladies, and will definitely offend.
Pay particular attention to what you wear in the southern (predominantly Muslim) areas of Thailand like Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta.
- Public Displays of Affection
It’s very unusual to see Thais showing a lot of affection in public, and very rarely indeed have I seen couples kissing passionately in public. Holding hands is fine, otherwise try to save your loving for more private situations!
- Smile!
Thailand is famous for it’s happy, smiley people so if you really want to make the most out of your trip remember to get in on the act and return the smiles you’ll be given! Smiles are used in Thailand during negotiations, in apologies, when things haven’t gone as planned and for conventional reason too, so you’ll find you make friends with local people a lot more easily with a well-timed smile, plus you’ll also receive much better service in bars and restaurants!
- Use the ‘Wai’
Within minutes of arriving in Thailand you’ll see Thais greeting each other not with a handshake or a hug, but with a ‘wai ‘ – holding your hands together as if in prayer, fingertips raised to your nose and a little bow of the head. There are many particular social etiquette rules (regarding placement of the hands, how far to bow etc.) which I won’t get into here, but it’s always very much appreciated by the Thais if you give it a go!
In general, you don’t have to do it to people younger than yourself, but give it a go with anyone elder than yourself or those in a position of power – it’s made a few traffic fines disappear for me in the past! Also if someone gives you a ‘wai’, do return it for maximum politeness (with the exception of those working in the service industry apparently, though it certainly doesn’t hurt!)
- Sabai Sabai
Things do not usually happen very quickly here in Thailand, that’s for sure – if you’re told to wait ten minutes, expect it to be at least twenty on a good day! A phrase you will often here when waiting impatiently for something is ‘sabai sabai’, which means ‘happy’ twice – the Thai love to use a word twice to exaggerate its meaning! In this case, however, they are telling you to chill out, after all the way of life in Thailand is particularly famous for being relaxed.
Sabai sabai everybody!
- Don’t Cause a Confrontation
Thai people are generally quite reserved, quiet and in true sabai sabai fashion don’t like confrontations at all, so remember no matter how frustrated you’re feeling, or how different everything is to ‘back home’, try to understand that we’re all guests in this remarkable country and we should also try not to shout or raise our voices in anger in public. Causing a scene is very much frowned upon in all of Asia, and even if you win the argument you’ll lose as a whole, as causing someone to lose face in Asia is a terrible thing!
So remember dear readers, the next time the waiter messes up your order or the bus is inexplicably delayed (when you can see it right in front of you) try to stay calm and acquiesce to the Thai way, and everyone won’t think you’re a dick.
- Heads and Toes
In Thailand the feet are considered low and dirty, second only to Miley Cyrus in the filth stakes. You shouldn’t point them at people, touch people with them, step over people sitting on the ground or rest them on seats and tables. The head, in contrast, has a much higher importance, so try to avoid touching people on the head or sitting on pillows meant as head rests. Also passing things over someone’s head is also considered rude!
- Shoes off or on?
Remember to remove your shoes when entering a Thai persons home or entering a temple. Some businesses, restaurants and shops also ask that you remove your shoes, so if you’re unsure, just look to see if there is a pile of shoes at the entrance, or check to see if the staff are wearing shoes. This is why simple footwear is a good idea on Koh Tao, as you’ll find you’ll need to take your shoes off a lot especially when shopping.
- Respect the King
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, and the royal family is revered throughout the country. You’ll see photos of the Royal Family in all homes and busineses, on the streets in towns and cities, pretty much everywhere actually! Remember to always stand when the King’s anthem is played before movies, concerts and sporting events, and you’ll also hear it at train stations every day at 08.00 and 18.00. Travelers should definitely not make any negative remarks about the royals, in serious cases you can be imprisoned!
- Toilet Troubles
A LOT of places in Thailand will have a surprise for you when you go to the bathroom, as the squat toilet is prevalent all over the country and is often a little troubling for us poor farang. When using one please remember to flush it with the nearby bucket of water, and if your body didn’t produce it don’t throw it down the hole! Toilet paper and sanitary items will easily cause a blockage (not that you’ll find toilet paper in most squat toilets anyway) and for wiping you’ll often have to use the old classic of bucket of water/ left hand for cleaning method, or the best-thing-ever-invented, the ‘bum-gun’! Once you get used to it you’ll never go back to paper, believe me.
Thai people are usually very forgiving of foreigners that don’t understand Thai culture, so don’t panic too much if you get things wrong, however they really appreciate when you do try.
Chok dee everyone!
