Thailand is Buddhist country
where Buddha images are held sacred.
Sacrilegious Acts are punishable by imprisonment even if
committed by foreign visitors. 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. Generally
Thai women are conservative. So don’t touch them without their
consent. Dress properly when entering a Buddhist temple. Mini
skirts and shorts are not allowed. Take your 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. Intimacies between man and woman should
not be shown in public. Sunbathing in the nude is prohibited.
Call Thais their first names: use the title Khun for adults.
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 event to excuse small inconveniences.
Don’t touch a person’s head, nor ruffle his hair. 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.
02. December 2004