You’ve been wrong about your Thailand holiday. How? You’ve been tipping wrong amounts, making a lot of noise, and pointing to things, just to name a few fauxpas. But don’t worry. MailOnline Travel has enlisted the help of travel experts to provide some Thai-riffic tips on etiquette so that you can enjoy your holiday in Thailand without any problems.
Here’s all you need before heading to the ‘Land of Smiles’.
Take off your shoes
Thai people dislike dirty shoe soles, so leaving shoes inside is considered disrespectful.
Cindy Scott, travel expert and blogger at Cinders Travel, tells MailOnline Travel: ‘One of the simplest dos is to remove your shoes before entering homes, guesthouses and many shops. In Thailand, it can be disrespectful to enter a house without removing your footwear.
Shuban Kotwal from Away Holidays agrees. ‘Always take off your shoes before entering a home or temple.’ Look for signs outside restaurants or shops, as smaller establishments might also have this rule.
You shouldn’t point your feet or hands
Take this into consideration
Betty Bouchier-Hobin, destination expert at Destination2, warns that ‘pointing your feet at sacred objects’ is ‘highly disrespectful’.
MailOnline Travel has been provided with some Thai-riffic Etiquette tips by travel experts so that you can enjoy your holiday in Thailand without any problems.
Она говорит: “It is important to not stick your feet out. Especially towards monks and Buddha images, but never at books or food.”
Betty says that pointing in general is a bad idea. She adds, “Pointing at people can be considered rude.” If you must point, use your whole hand instead or a subtle nod of the chin.
Avoid stepping over thresholds
Stepping on the threshold will raise your hackles.
Betty explains, ‘In Thailand door thresholds often have spiritual significance, especially in temples. So it’s very important to respect that. Stepping over a threshold to show awareness is considered disrespectful.’
Never touch anyone’s head
The head is the most sacred body part in Thailand. Betty warns against touching anyone’s head even in a casual or playful manner.
Она говорит: “If you find yourself in a position where you have to touch someone’s hair, ask their permission first. This shows respect for their beliefs.”
Shuban says: “Even a seemingly friendly gesture like ruffling a person’s hair can be disrespectful.”
Dress modestly when visiting temples
If tourists don’t “meet the modesty standards required”, they could be turned away from temple entrances. When visiting temples, you don’t need to dress up to impress.
Elaine Warren, travel expert at the Family Cruise Companion, reveals: ‘I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen tourists turned away from temple entrances because their attire didn’t meet the standards of modesty required.
Pack a couple of lightweight scarves and shawls to use as coverups.
Shuban explains, Thailand is known for its beaches but modest clothing is required when visiting temples or holy sites. Cover your shoulders, knees and feet to show respect.
Use the wai greeting
Shuban explains, “A traditional Thai salutation involves placing your hands together at chest-level and slightly bending your head.”
The travel expert adds that this is called “a wai” and it is a polite greeting for locals, especially elders or people who are in formal settings. Betty reveals that this traditional greeting is a way to show respect for the locals and a great connection with them.
Keep noise levels low
Please turn off the noises.
Elaine warns, ‘If I had to give a piece of critical advice to families traveling to Thailand it would be to keep the volume down. This is a non-negotiable rule in temples.
“But loud voices in public places such as markets or public transport can be perceived as disruptive.”
Cindy comments: ‘Thai culture values a calm and easygoing demeanour, known as “jaiyen”, therefore loud confrontations and overt displays anger can be off-putting.
She continues, ‘If you are in a frustrating situation take a deep breathe and remember that politeness can solve problems better than shouting.’
Tourists are advised to ‘always seek permission before photographing people’, including monks.
Respect the queueing culture
Brits should follow this advice without hesitation.
Cindy says, “Observe the way locals queue at public transport or navigate busy markets. It means going with the flow and being polite.”
It’s okay to wait in smaller restaurants and street food stalls to be seated, or to politely grab the table that’s free.
Shuban says that “Thais value politeness, calmness and courtesy highly”.
Take care when taking photos
Don’t be too snappy.
Betty explains that you should always ask permission before taking pictures of people, particularly monks. Also, be mindful when photographing sacred spaces such as temples.
Shuban says that tourists should maintain a respectful distance from monks.
Be respectful of the Royal Family
Shuban explains that ‘Thais have a high regard for their Royal Family’.
The travel expert says: “Making jokes about them or making negative comments could have legal consequences.”
Respect the Tipping Culture
No need to spend a lot of money.
Shuban says, While tipping, especially in tourist areas is appreciated, over-tipping sometimes comes across as patronising.” It is enough to round up the bill or tip 10%.
Travel experts reveal that smiling can go a long way in Thailand, as it is a ‘universal’ language in the country.
Use your right hand when shopping
Cindy explains this: “When giving or receiving items, such as money at a store, you should use your right-hand. If possible, hold your right arm up with your left-hand near the elbow.”
This simple gesture is a subtle expression of respect in many Southeast Asian cultures.
Smile!
Elaine says, “Thailand has a reputation as the Land of Smiles” and there’s good reason for it. In this culture, smiling can go a long way.
‘One time, when my son accidentally spilled some juice at a street food stall, he smiled and apologised, and the vendor not only forgave him but laughed it off and gave him a new drink for free!’
Betty says: ‘Smiling has become a universal language and part of Thai cultural etiquette. A smile or a happy expression can be used to show friendliness and reduce tension.’
