THAI CUSTOM

• Thai people hold their King and Queen and the Royal Family in great reverence, and so won’t tolerate foreigners talking about them in disrespect.
  
  
• Thailand is a Buddhist country where Buddha images are held sacred.  Sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors.
  
  
• Dress properly when entering a Buddhist temple.  Miniskirts and shorts are not allowed.  Take the shoes off before going inside the hall of worship.  Ladies must not on any account touch a Buddhist monk, give things direct to him or receive things direct from him.
  
  
• Generally, Thai women are conservative.  So, don’t touch them without their consent.
  
  
• Intimacies between man and woman should not be shown in public.  Sunbathing in the nude is prohibited.
  
  
• Thai people smile to express gladness and happiness, to thank for small services, to return the “Wai” (a way of greeting) of children and inferior persons, and even to excuse small inconveniences.
  
  
• Call Thais their first names; use the title “Khun” for adults and older people.
  
  
• Don’t touch a person’s head, nor ruffle his hairs.  The head is the noblest part of the body.  A sincere apology should be offered immediately if you touch someone’s head unintentionally.
  
  
• Avoid placing your feet on the table while sitting.  Never use your foot to point things out or to touch any part of the body of anyone, which is considered rude.
  
  
• Entering a Thai house, you’re expected to remove your shoes.