Nobody likes getting dirty looks. So prevent them with this quick guide into Thailand's beautiful laid back culture.
1. Unopened Gifts
Should you visit a Thai home and take a present for your host, you may find it is put on the side and left unopened. Don’t be offended by this, though. It is actually considered rude and greedy on their part to rip the present open there and then, in front of the giver. A Thai person is more likely to wait until you have left to open the gift. This is part of “grengjai” (in consideration of).
2. Asking a Ghost’s Permission
Historically, overnight visitors to a Thai home were requested to ask permission from the phra phum (spirit ghost of the land) to stay in the house. The visitor would then be asked to thank the ghost when they left. This custom still exists in more rural areas, but you probably won’t be asked to do this as a foreigner. However, many Thais will do this before going to sleep in a hotel room. Whistling at night might call a ghost to you too apparently.
3. Keeping Your Cool
Raising your voice is unacceptable in Thailand and considered an act of losing control. I myself have caused quite a few stares in the past when debating current affairs with foreign visitors at the table of a restaurant. Quiet and humble is always the best approach when speaking with Thai people. You won’t achieve anything by becoming aggressive or loud. Jai yen yen (cool heart) instead of Jai lawn (hot heart)
4. Polite Clothing
As you probably already know, Thailand rates itself highly for being modest and polite at all times. They carry this attitude through every aspect of their lives including their clothing. NEVER enter a temple with bare shoulders or knees (both men and women) Remember even though the cities are as hot as the islands they are not beach resorts. Bikini tops and hot pants for the ladies and speedos for the men are not appropriate clothing to be walking around in.
5. Pregnancy Taboos
Pregnant women in Thailand will generally avoid visiting the sick, eating chilies and fishing. Chillies, I guess, are bad for the baby, visiting sick people might make you or your baby sick, and fishing…hmmm, no idea. During a funeral a pregnant lady wears a safety pin on the outside of her tummy in order to keep the spirit from entering the baby.
6. Take Off Your Shoes, Always!
Shoes must be taken off upon entering someone’s home. Even if you get a “mai pen rai” (no problem/it’s okay), still take them off! Shoes walk on the ground and pick up all manner of dirt. A no-brainer really. NEVER stop a rolling coin with your feet with or without shoes on, to stamp down on their king's face with the lowest part of your body is the biggest insult to a Thai person.
7. Don’t Touch The Head
Don’t touch anyone on the head unless you want trouble. You may see Thais rubbing kids on the head, but I would refrain from this unless the child is in your extended family and a bond has been established. In contrast to feet, the head is considered the sacred part of the body and not to be touched without permission; certainly don’t put your feet near someone’s head! In some cases hair from a person's head, on the floor, if stood on, is also considered rude.
8. Don’t Point
Pointing is a no-no in Thailand. Unless you want to loose them, definitely DO NOT point with your feet on any occasion joking or not! (OK, OK maybe you won't loose them but it is completely frowned upon if you do point or pass something with your feet) Your Thai friends won’t take offence if you point (with your hand) when joking around, as they will understand that as a foreigner you may point instinctively. However, don’t point at monks or pictures of any of the Royal Family, and as a general rule don’t point at people to make reference to them. If you need to point (indicate) someone out, instead bend your hand downwards with your fingers leaning toward the floor and your palm facing upward. NEVER put your feet up on tables or chairs or point your feet in the direction of somebody.
9. Paying For Meals
If you invite someone out for a meal in Thailand the rule is that the invitee doesn't pay. In cases where it is unclear who the invitee is the superior will pay. Remember, if you are going on a date with a Thai woman, don’t think going “Dutch” is an option. It isn't, and you may well be seen as tight (kee-nee-ow). In this part of the world men pay the way on the dates.
10. Ducking Down When Walking Between and Stepping Over People
You’ll see many Thais perform a slight duck down when they pass in front of two people engaged in conversation. It’s a polite (if token) gesture of respect – to say that they’re acknowledging the interruption. The same applies if you walk past a person and block out their vision for a split second. Never step over people or their belongings (handbag, food or drinks etc) always walk around the edge of a circle of people or politely request for them to let you through, if there isn't any room to go around. I know it's not polite to wake someone during a mid afternoon nap, but if you don't wake the person and they hear about you stepping over them, they will be a lot more offended than if you had just woken them up in the first place.
- As with most of these customs, foreigners are generally expected to not know about them – but you gain great kudos when you show that you do.
- Remember children will get away with all of the above, as Thai people simply adore children and would never chastise them for a faux pas, as they know the child knows no better.
