Transcript Slide 1

Dos and Don’ts in Thailand
When traveling around Chiangmai
to explore Thai cultures,
there are certain things foreigners should do
or should avoid doing:
“Be a Roman in Rome”
The Monarchy
* All Thai people respect the King and members of royal family
* Do not show any lack of respect (Pictures, Banknotes)
* Criticism of the King and royal family is against the law
*
Stand still when the National Anthem or Royal Anthem is
being played.
Religion
• When entering a temple, dress politely (might be colorful).
• Shorts, bikinis, skirts that show your legs, open-toed
sandals are considered inappropriate.
• Buddha images are sacred (do not point your feet at)
• Buddhist monks are untouchable by women.
• Monks do not shake a man’s hand.
• Do not wear shoes inside a temple where Buddha images
are kept.
Head
• Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body.
• Touching someone’s head is entirely unacceptable.
• Anything associated with the head requires due treatment.
Feet
• Feet are the lowest part of the body.
• Do not point at things with your feet.
• Take off your shoes before entering a temple.
Greetings
• A gesture made by placing your hands together in front
of your chest and bow a little called “Wai” and say
“Sawasdee” which can be used for Hello, Good bye,
Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening, Good
night.
• Rules for Wai: In Thai culture we respect “seniority”
(seniority in terms of “age” and “status”.
- You should not Wai to a child.
- Junior should Wai the senior first.
General Advice
• Do not smoke in the public area or in the building.
• Do not engage in purchase of wild animals.
• Do not involve in any kind of drugs (harsh penalties).
(Death penalties for drugs trading)
• Thais are generally shy people, if people walk up to
you and engage in conversation, then move towards
purchase of something, beware of bad intention.