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Thai Etiquette What is considered polite in
your country is probably considered polite in Thailand, too. However, there are
a few cultural pitfalls, mainly social and religious taboos, the breaking of
which can cause offence. Most Thai are very forgiving about social mistakes, but trying to honour Thai standards, shows the Thai that the traveller or guest has respect for their values. Here are some important taboos whose observance is prudent, if one does not want to be thought of as "bad mannered". These are a few things that tourists and other visitors to Thailand should keep in mind. The most important things to remember if you want a good relation with a Thai are: · 1. Temper. However frustrating the situation, never lose your temper. Outward expressions of anger are regarded as crude and boorish. The person who loses his temper loses face. Visitors who remain calm and smile will find all sorts of doors opened to them. Be Thai and just keep calm and smile! · 2. Sensitivity. The Thai are extremely self-conscious, and hate to be teased, especially in front of their friends. · 3. Criticism. Never criticize a Thai, especially in front of other people, or anything Thai. The Thai are a proud people, and proud of their country. · 4. Patience. The Thai are extremely patient, and will wait hours for a bus or train without complaint. They just don't understand Westerners preoccupation with the time. Don't expect Thais to be punctual - they rarely are. It is practically impossible to get into an argument with a Thai. They just smile back and wait for the storm to pass. · 5. Modesty. Most Thais are extremely modest about nudity, and when undressing will wrap a towel around them to slip off their trousers. The towel will not be removed until they are firmly tucked up under the sheets. Some more experienced Thais have learnt that many Farang (Westerner) walk around a hotel room stark naked, but this can and does embarrass many Thais. Most Thais are part horrified and part fascinated by Farang men on the beach disporting themselves in strong style swim wear, and women going topless. · 6. Touching. Never touch the top of someone's head. The head is the most sacrosanct part of the body. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, they do not appreciate anyone patting them there, even as a friendly gesture. Avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Likewise, the Thai will be astounded if you touch their feet, as feet are considered dirty and lowly. Once the relationship is established, you can ask permission to do these things. Never touch any part of a woman in public. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. Westernized Thai couples may hold hands, but that's as far as it goes in public. It is perfectly OK for two men or women to hold hands, but no assumptions should be made as to their sexuality. · 7. Fingers and Feet. Never point at anybody. The feet, being dirty (even if yours are not) should never be used to point at anything, to stop a rolling coin, to move something aside, or be placed on furniture, even on the back of the seat in front of you in the bus or train. Feet should be kept firmly pointing at the ground, even when sitting. Don't step over anyone - ask them to move, even if they are sleeping on the pavement..! · 8. Cleanliness & Attire. The Thai, however poor, are almost always smartly turned out and well scrubbed. Westerners strolling into public places wearing beach clothes, being unshaven or otherwise unkept, cause either amusement or consternation · 9. Demeanour. Try to avoid being too high, either in height or manner. When walking past a group of people sitting down, bow your head, and walk, if possible, behind them. · 10. Shoes. Shoes are always removed before entering someone's home or a temple. · 11. Kissing. Polite Thais never kiss in public, not even in a restaurant or bar. · 12 The Monarchy: Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children. Even social malcontents, who ignore legal and community standards, refuse to tolerate a faintly implied slur on the monarchy. Criticizing the King or a member of his family could result in you being hospitalized. Before a movie in a cinema, all guest will rise and show their respect to the King and the Royal family.
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13 Religion:
Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go
shirtless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire. It is acceptable
to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not
inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept. Each Buddha image,
large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto
one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.
Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept
anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she
put the object on a piece of clothe in front of the monk, or first hands it to a
man, who then presents it. If a monk needs to give something to a woman, the
monk will drop the object into her hands, give the object to a man or place the
object so she can reach for it. · 14 Social Norms: Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a "wai". Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it. · 15 Thai customarily ask questions which are regarded elsewhere as being personal and private. If the visitor or guest is asked, 'Where are you going?' or 'How much do you earn?' such questions are asked in a friendly manner and signify genuine interest. Joking answers such as, 'I'm not sure' or "Never enough!' are perfectly acceptable. |
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