THAILAND ETIQUETTE: DO’S AND DON’TS

BASIC DO’S

1. Keep clean at all times and all places.

Thai have an expression called kee nok (bird shit) which refers to dirty backpackers. Not a nice term, we know, but there are always tourists who think it’s OK to wear dirty clothes . While Thais are very tolerant, they generally care a lot about cleanliness and appearance, particularly for temples. Also, be sure to always wash BEFORE getting a massage (check out our ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO ENJOYING THE BEST MASSAGE IN BANGKOK).

2. Only use your hands to ‘bow’ and greet elders or bow back after someone bows to you first.

Keep it simply by putting your hands together, bowing your head only slightly (you’re not in Japan kiddo) and using the appropriate greeting like ‘sawadee krup (for a man) sawadee ka (for a woman). Do not go around bowing to staff at hotel, 7-11, people the same age, or anyone younger.

3. Dress up nicely, particularly in Bangkok and when going out to nice restaurants.

4. Tip only for massages and bell hops, not food (unless exceptional)

5. Always take shoes off when entering a house, temple, massage parlor etc.

6. Always remember your manners whilst in a massage parlor

Unless your in a red light district, 99% massage parlors in Thailand are sex free and for health purposes only! Traditional Thai is oil free and entails wearing clothes and applying pressure.

BASIC DON’TS

1. Don’t dress like a backpacker

Never wear beach wear outside the beach/beach resort or dress like you’re on a jungle trek! Thai are super tolerant but privately hate that foreigners dress like they are on a safari. Thailand is very developed country particularly Bangkok and even the poorest Thai will make an effort to wear decent clothes.

2. Never ever show the bottom of your feet or souls to others

This is seen as one of the top insults insult e.g. I don’t respect you so I show my feet to you.

4. Don’t wear clothes that reveal too much skin

Cut off shirts, crop tops etc are looked down upon in Thailand even in a small rural village. You can wear these at home or perhaps to the beach. This is particularly true for Buddhist temples!

ADVANCED DO’S

1. Learn basic Thai phrases

Learn phrases like ‘thank you’ and be sure to add a ‘ka’ for women or ‘Kup’ for men at the end of whatever you say eg “Hong nam you nai kup?” Thai are VERY serious about manners and this one is a must for EVERYONE!

2. Visit less popular/tourist areas

less people, more authentic, better prices, and still so much to do- temples, beaches, good restaurants, activities are EVERYWHERE about just where guide books tell you and even the most remote part of Thailand has decent roads, banks, convenience stores, WiFi etc!

ADVANCED DON’TS

1. Don’t come to Thailand expecting the grass is greener

Thai culture is more subtle and nuanced than some western cultures however the same dynamics of love, power, money etc are at play.

2. Don’t come to Thailand assuming sex is widely accepted

whatever you have read or heard generally does NOT apply (only exceptions are go go bars , and special massage parlors- sex tourism is tolerated only in select places!

3. Don’t ever discuss the royal family or politics

Just don’t. Thailand’s relationship with its monarchy and politics is complex. Your words can be used against you.

4. Don’t think smiles always mean something positive

Thailand isn’t know as the land of 1000 smiles for nothing. Although Thai tend to be super friendly and polite, smiling can have many different meanings.

 

 

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