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Visitors should be aware of culture differences in Thailand. Fortunately, the important culture differences are few. Thai people are generally very easy going and friendly but Thai People can be offended by certain behaviour and breaches of Thai Etiquette, although they may be too polite to show it. By following some of the hints we give here you will avoid any awkward situation or embarrassment. Perhaps the simplest rule is - if you wouldn't do it at home then you shouldn't do it here , or anywhere else. The Thai people will appreciate your effort and you will gain their friendship and respect.
The Thai greet people with a "Wai". They do not normally shake hands in greeting an
d they are certainly not into the "Mwah Mwah" double peck on the cheeks. With a wai, their hands are joined together as if in prayer and held close to the body about upper chest high followed by a slight inclination of the head so the tip of the fingers will touch the nose.
There is much more to a Wai than meets the eye. Thailand has a very "class conscious" society and among Thais the Wai reveals a great deal about the people. For a Thai, the higher the hands are held the greater the respect shown or required. It is normal for the younger person or the person of lower social standing to wai first. As a visitor, it is not expected that you return a Wai from serving staff in a hotel or restaurant or similar, and indeed can look slightly ridiculous if you do. A nod or a smile in acknowledgement is quite sufficient. A simple rule to follow is that if in any situation you would normally shake hands then a Wai is appropriate.
Please also remember that Thai Monks, no matter their age, should be greeted with a wai but will not wai in return.
Buddhist Monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a woman.
Thai People consider the head as the most sacred part of the body and the feet as impure. It is considered impolite to pat people on their heads and rude to point at anyone or anything with the feet. When visiting temples care should be taken not to point your feet towards any Monk or Buddha image. Pointing at people with the finger is also considered as not polite. Feet should certainly never be used to touch people or be placed up on tables. If you should drop money on the floor do not use your foot to trap it. Money carries an image of the King and therefore should be treated with respect as should everything to do with the King and the Royal Family.
Holding hands in public may be becoming more acceptable but kissing or hugging in public is definitely not and will be frowned upon by your Thai hosts. Nudity in any public place is forbidden by law.
Before entering people's houses you should remove your shoes even if you hear a "Mai pen rai" which means never mind
.This is also required at Temples and a few commercial establishments but if required there will usually be a sign.
Thais eat with a fork and spoon. The spoon is used to put food in the mouth and the fork is used to help get the food onto the spoon. Chop sticks are used only with certain noodle dishes and Khao Soy. Rice is the normal accompaniment to food. There is the normal boiled rice "Khao Suay" but in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand you will come across another form of rice "Khao Neeow" (sticky rice). To eat sticky rice you should pull off a small bite size piece and roll it in between your fingers into a small tight ball. Still using your fingers you gather a small piece of food pressing it into the rice. Then pop it in your mouth. Sticky rice is frequently served in small woven baskets and you will certainly have the opportunity to try it if you should visit one of Chiang Mai's Khantoke restaurants.
Unlike in many Western countries a meal in Thailand usually consists of several different dishes all served at the same time. Everyone should help themselves to a small portion from any of the dishes and put it onto their own plate before eating it. This way you can experience many different flavours. If dining with Thais you may find that they will put food onto your plate as a gesture of friendship. It is quite normal for the bill to be paid by the wealthiest person at the table.
Thai people will go to great extremes to avoid confrontation. Being "Jai Yen" (cool headed) is considered a virtue and "Jai Rawn" (hot headed) is considered a vice. Thus, no matter how frustrating the situation you may find yourself in, you should avoid shouting or showing anger (what you may feel inside is of course up to you). In an argument the first person to lose their temper is considered to have lost.
Bartering for prices for goods in the markets or for Tuk Tuks is an art form and should be carried out with a smile. Look on it as a game.
Nobody likes to "Lose Face" so, even if you are in the right, try to give your opponent room to manoeuvre.
In the cities and main tourist reso
rts most of the toilets are of the Western "sit down" flushable type. However, in many toilets you will also find a small hose with a squirter on the end. The idea is that you should use this to wash off and finish with toilet paper which should be disposed of in bins provided and not flushed.
Many of the public toilets or at small restaurants and filling stations do not provide paper so be prepared. If you should come across the old "Squat" type toilet there will be a bowl and water barrel provided. You should use your left hand to wash off with water from the small bowl then flush the toilet with water also using the small bowl.
One final word. Thailand is a hot country and being a tourist is hard work. To avoid giving offence more frequent showering than you are used to may be appropriate.