Always speak respectfully about Buddhism and Thai culture. Dress conservatively (sleeved shirts and trousers)
when visiting Temples or sites of religious significance. In western countries, jokes about the royal family or political
figures are commonplace, but in Thailand you will be regarded as ignorant.
Always speak respectfully about HM The King and HM The Queen, as the royal families are deeply respected in Thailand
for their many good works and active support for social development projects. Before the start of a movie, you will
be expected to stand during the playing of the national anthem.
Always be respectful to the elderly, in every situation. If you are bargaining at the market with a seller who
is obviously older than you, or if you are bargaining with a tuk-tuk driver who is older than you, do this in a polite way,
with a smile on your face and do not be rude or raise your voice in thailand chat. As westerners, we often show our displeasure
or emphasis a point of view by raising our voices. Do not do this in Thailand. You will always get a more positive response
with a smile, and often see the result in the price!
Take your shoes off before entering a Thai house, or certain shops. If you are invited to visit somebody's home
always remove your shoes at the front door. If in doubt, check for a pile of shoes near the entrance or follow what
asian personals are doing.
Have some patience when doing business in a bank or in a post office. Thai people do not put emphasis on “Quick
service” as other countries. The Thai attitude is to slow service is much more understanding than other countries. Sometimes
you really have to wait for a long time, but the Thais are accustomed to that and will find you behavior quite unacceptable
if you become impatient. Just relax and wait for your turn.
Don’ts:
Point at thailand personals or things with your feet. This is considered as highly impolite, as the feet are considered
as the most inferior parts of the human body. So do not sit on the floor of a Temple with your feet pointing at the Buddha
Image!
Do not touch the heads of children, even if you may see this as a form of caressing. The head is considered as the most
superior part of the body, and touching this part is not a privilege for asian models!
Do not be too familiar in public, even if you are married. So don't kiss in public, don't walk with your arms around
Thailand models. These things are considered very impolite in Thailand.
Do not shout in public with a thailand bride. If you want to argue with a asian bride, do this in the privacy of
your hotel room and not in public! You will loose a great deal of respect if you do this in public. Why do you think Asian
people have fewer wrinkles than western people? It's because they rarely frown or show negative emotions in Asian chat.
Do not assume that Thai women are easily available on aasian romance tour. The fact is that only around 1% of the female
populations of Bangkok work in the sex industry, which also means that 99% is not working! You can get yourself in big trouble
if you offend a woman by approaching her in this way. Thai men are very polite and non confrontational. However, if
you have insulted a Thai woman you may see a side of Thai men, which could be very unpleasant for you on a thailand romance
tour.
Do not buy any precious stones on the streets. If you are familiar with prices, do buy them in (large) shops. That will
normally be safe, but again, be sure you don't pay too much. If you buy precious stones in the street against this advice
and regret it afterwards (which will be the case in 99% of the cases), go to the Tourist Police! They know how to handle this
and they do it well (Or call 1699 for the Tourist Police).
Do not accept any offers from Tuk-Tuk drivers or strangers to assist you in finding the right places to do your shopping.
They will get a commission from the shops they take you to and you will be the person who pays for that commission (in the
price you pay).
Do not call a waiter or waitress with the fingers of your hand pointing upward. This is considered to be very impolite
(It will make a similar impression as if you put your middle finger up to somebody at home). Strangely, the polite way to
call a waiter or waitress is to put up your hand up in the shape of a fist.
Do not sit on Buddha images or other religious icons as you will cause severe offense to the locals and invite the attention
of the authorities, who often take a dim view of such behavior. Several foreigners have even been severely punished and even
deported. If you wish to be photographed with a Buddha, sit in front of the image, as this is perfectly acceptable.
