Thai Culture

     
           The Royal Family   

             Across the country The Thai Royal Family is highly revered. No lack of respect or criticism is accepted. The law of lese majeste is alive and well. In many countryside areas the Royal Anthem is played at eight o'clock in the morning, and at six in the evening when everything grinds to a halt and people stand still to pay respect. Be mindful even of offending images of HM the King such as stepping on bank notes, coins, etc.

   Etiquette   

          The hospitableness of Thai people is a topic often overheard when listening to tourists talk about how they enjoyed their time in Thailand. The welcoming nature of people in Thailand is something which brings people back to Thailand time and time again, after all Thailand isn’t called ‘The Land of Smiles’ for nothing. In general Thai people are remarkably friendly, but learning a little about the culture will hold you in even greater esteem and will perhaps allow you to benefit from your trip even more.          Note the foot taboos, feet are considered both vulgar and low, so don't point your feet at anyone or anything. Another important point to remember is not to touch people on the head, try not to even pat young children on the head as President Johnson should have been warned. Thais will be pleased if you wai them on meeting, (join your fingers together and with palms touching, bend your head slightly and touch your nose with the tips of your fingers), but you may well find that the reply is an outstretched hand waiting to be shaken. When offered something such as a glass of water, try and receive it with both hands. Try not to pass between two people who are talking, if you have to, make the gesture of ducking slightly. None of these mistakes would cause you any trouble, but do it right and you will earn respect. 

Thai Culture   

        Don't be embarrassed when you see Thai people kneeling or even crawling before their elders and betters - it is for them perfectly acceptable and in no way humiliating. You do not need to follow suit.        Thai humour is splendid and often very bawdy, however it is sometimes difficult to translate foreign humour and vice versa, so don't be offended if no one laughs at your jokes and equally don’t worry if you don’t find your tour guide’s jokes hilarious. 
       The class system still flourishes here in Thailand. Things you can do and say with one person may not go down at all well with another. If you learn a little Thai from a friend who may use lots of slang, another friend will know exactly where you have been - so be careful! Accent has little place in Thai so by changing the words you use you can easily alter your social position. 
       It is better not to ask negative questions as Thais do not know whether to say yes or no in reply. Yes in Thai can mean many things. "Yes, I heard you but I haven't a clue what you mean". "Yes, I heard you, I understand what you want but I don't agree with you and I won't do it". Yes, I heard you, I agree with you and I will try and do it".
      Thai day-to-day life exists rather peacefully. Thais prefer to speak softly and avoid aggression and confrontation. Try to keep calm and relaxed whatever the provocation or however frustrated you may be. Be polite, smile, try and make a joke and don't rush things. Thais are adept at working things out in their own way. An easy way to fit into another culture is to observe how the locals act and follow suit. 
      Although Thailand is a rather liberal and modernised country in many respects, dress and outside appearance are of importance. Thais value looking smart and clean, although it is warm wearing beach attire or going shirtless or shoeless in an urban area is slightly uncouth – think would you do this at home? 
     Tourists should not be too conscious about their behaviour in Thailand. Thai people are usually very tolerant, however if you are consciously respectful to a culture that you are a guest of you are sure to have a better visit and interact with locals in a more positive way.



Dress   

     Unlike neighbouring more conservative and traditional countries, everyday dress in Thailand is very modern and follows international fashion. Thai people are fashion conscious and like to be smart and keep up with trends. Because of the warm weather it is preferable to wear light and comfortable clothes. Shorts and T-shirts are the standard dress code for men and women. Flip-flops, sandals or other slip on shoes are useful when taking shoes off and on if entering a temple, house or shop which requires you to take your footwear off, a common Thai custom.      You will need to bring few warm clothes with you, although it is advised to bring some clothing which can keep you cosy for use on air-conditioned transport or for evening times in the winter months. There are many shops, malls and markets selling clothing and shoes so you can always stock up when here or buy anything you have forgotten. Unless you have formal engagements or are going to one of Bangkok or Chiang Mai’s more swanky hotels or bars, you are most unlikely ever to be required to wear anything other than a t-shirt and trousers or a simple dress. However it’s always nice to dress up for a night out, have you tried dancing in flip-flops?