Interesting Thai Customs – How to Be a Polite Guest

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The land of smiles is called so because the Thai people are a polite lot. They’re kind, generous and forgiving about cultural and social differences. However familiarizing yourself with their customs can make you an excellent guest and thus the Thai people – excellent hosts. So make the most out of Thailand tourism with the following customs.

1.The Wai

It is a simple greeting, joining hands at chest level or in case of monks and temples – at the nose or head level. Whenever someone greets you with a wai, remember to mirror it back. Many Thai people will happily shake your hand as well. Do not resist that or force a wai instead. Doing both is alright.

2.Remove your shoes

When entering your host’s home, remove your shoes as their soles carry a lot of dirt. Generally Asians exercise clean practices in their personal space and therefore wearing shoes inside homes is advised against.

3.Limit your physical contact

Unless you have built a rapport with your new Thai acquaintances, refrain from giving them back thumps, shoulder pats or hugs. Especially, do not touch anyone’s head as it considered an insult.

4.Dress appropriately

When invited over someone’s place, maintain casual comfies or semi-formal dress code. Women are advised to dress completely and modestly in general i.e. wear a bra and dress as per locality. Some temples insist on shoulders, torso and knees to be covered by everyone.

5.Respect their country, monks and King

Every country has its challenges and openly criticizing or showing the locals down because of them, is outright rude. There’s actually a law against speaking ill of the king. While it may be lenient on tourists on account of unawareness, it’s best not to approach that topic. Women cannot touch monks, their robes or hand them things. Monks are also given first preference everywhere.

6.Maintain your calm

Losing your temper at the locals won’t help you much in a tricky situation. Also speaking loudly in public is considered uncivilized.

7.Maintain eye level

When people you’re talking to sit, do not continue hovering above them. You’ll find that the Thai people often move along with you while communicating for the same reason.

8.When in doubt, ask

Plenty of Thailand tour packages ensure you have English speaking tour guides. No matter what the situation is, if you’re confused about the correct way of doing something, simply ask them. Better safe than sorry.

9.Body language pointers

Never point your feet towards others or holy things as it is disrespectful to show your dirty soles to them. If going through the middle of two people talking, remember to bend lower and pass through. A slightly lowered head is a sign of humility, so it’s advised to maintain a respectable posture while interacting with the locals.

A lot of these customs are simple to grasp through mere observation. Stay receptive and embrace their beautiful culture for an invigorating experience.

SOTC