Thailand is one of the friendliest countries in the world. Apart from its sunkissed shores, aquamarine lagoons, temples, and dazzling nightlife, it’s the hospitality received in Thailand that makes tourists come back again and again. However, if the same warmth and kindness is not returned from the visitor’s side, it can leave a poor impression of the said tourist or tourist and their culture on Thai people.
Every new country or place that one visits is bound to give us some kind of culture shock. What might be perfectly acceptable in one culture can be downright offensive in another. A harmless gesture in one culture (like pointing a finger) can be extremely disrespectful in another. You may set out to do something with a good intention, but might be at the receiving end of embarrassment.
There are also some tourists who visit a holiday destination with a sense of entitlement and a haughty attitude. To enjoy a comfortable holiday, it’s important to learn at least some nuances of the culture you’re visiting. Keep an open mind and rather than being judgmental, show acceptance. Once you do that, you will be introduced to an endless wave of joy, warmth and happiness from others.
Travel Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts in Thailand to Follow
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, remember these basic do’s and don’ts. The list of things you should and should not do will help you navigate your holidays and have a pleasant experience. Even though Thai people are friendly and forgiving, it’s one’s duty as a traveller to learn about their culture before visiting.
Do’s in Thailand: Things you should do
1. The sun shines bright on the shores of Thailand. Do keep light and breathable clothes, sunglasses, hats, and plenty of sunscreen for sun protection.
2. Thailand is also a tropical county, hence to protect yourself from mosquito and insect bites, do keep a repellent spray or lotion. This is particularly important if you are visiting in the rainy season or going for adventure activities like trekking and camping in woods.
3. Do follow the “sanuk” culture which can be described as fun or easy-going. In Thailand, sanuk is a way of life. It means not taking things too seriously and going with the flow.
4. Do purchase travel insurance before your trip. (You never know when you may need it!)
5. Do dress modestly (covering your knees, shoulders, belly) before entering a temple or visiting a holy shrine.
6. Adopt the “mai pen rai” attitude which is an extension of the sanuk culture. It means not worrying about little things. The Thais believe in having fun, so follow their lead and enjoy your time in Thailand.
7. Do respect the images of Buddha. Thailand, being a Buddhist country, shows great reverence towards Lord Buddha.
8. Do learn some Thai phrases beyond hello and thank you for showing respect and interest towards Thai culture. It also makes your tasks easier as a tourist when you navigate a new place in Thailand or simply want to score a better bargain.
9. Do stand up for the Thai National Anthem when played in theatres or restaurants. You may hear it in public spaces. If you feel confused, simply look around and take cue to stop whatever you are doing and stay still.
10. Do the respectful wai. If a Thai person greets you with a wai (folding one’s hands and going a slight bow), do the same.
Don’ts in Thailand: Things you should not do
1. Do not disrespect the Thai Royal Family. If you do so, you can go to prison regardless of your citizenship. Even a sarcastic remark can get you in trouble, therefore it’s advisable for tourists to not mention anything about the Thai Royal family.
2. Do not touch the monks or hand them anything directly. Monks (especially the ones wearing orange robes) are sacred entities who are considered free from worldly sins and materialism. A regular visitor touching them means they will become “impure”. Therefore maintain a respectful distance between yourself and the monks.
3. Do not show aggression or speak loudly in public. Thai people are known for their self-control (a practice that might be a direct influence of Buddhism). They refrain from getting aggressive and handle things calmly.
4. Do not use your feet to point at anything. It is considered extremely disrespectful because in Thai culture feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body whereas the head is considered the most sacred part of the body.
5. Taking from the above point of head being the most sacred part of one’s body. Do not touch or pat a Thai person’s head (including children). It’s considered disrespectful and offensive to touch somebody’s head.
6. Do not touch sacred objects, idols of Buddha, scrolls, paintings, etc when visiting a Buddhist temple. Also, don’t take images of Buddha out of the country. You can only take them out under special conditions and permissions.
7. Don’t enter someone’s home or temples wearing shoes. It’s a practice that is common not just in Thailand but also in most Asian countries.
8. Don’t drink tap water. It isn’t safe to drink direct water from the tap in Thailand. Always buy a packaged water bottle.
9. Don’t destroy or harm flora and fauna on both land and in water. This includes standing on coral reefs, plucking plants or flowers, chasing animals, etc.
10. Don’t point your fingers as a gesture, instead use your entire hand towards an object in a polite manner.
Keep in mind the above mentioned do’s and don’ts on your Thailand tour, and enjoy the best of what the country has to offer!