What is polite behavior in Thai culture?
What is polite behavior in Thai culture?
Here are some suggestions about polite behavior that should prove useful when traveling in Thailand. They do not cover the whole of the code of conduct that Thais themselves are expected to observe, but the latter are fairly tolerant when Western visitors are concerned, and if you follow the suggestions, they will be enough to make sure that you give no real offense.
1. It is important never to point at a person or even an object with your feet, since the foot is considered the most imperceptible part of the body.
2. Never touch a person’s head—not even a child’s—as the head is the noblest part of the body.
3. Do not step across a person or food; go around them.
4. In Thai culture, as in most countries in Asia, losing your temper means losing face, which never helps to resolve a difficulty. So keep cool and be as patient as possible at all times.
5. Most Thais are very modest in a physical sense. In public, couples should never be physically affectionate. Though these days it is no longer rare to see a Thai couple holding hands in the street, it is still considered improper to kiss or cuddle your partner where other people can see you. Paradoxically, many young women, though they adopt Western or Japanese fashions (mini-skirts, tattoos, body piercing), still follow the tradition of bathing partly dressed, for modesty’s sake.
6. It is absolutely essential that you never criticize the king in person or the monarchy as an institution and that you always pay the same marks of respect to the royal family as the Thais themselves do, e.g., standing up for the royal hymn in public places such as the cinema.
7. Lastly, you should understand that Thais themselves rarely express disapproval openly, so as to avoid interpersonal conflicts. You are strongly advised to watch other people closely and to model your behavior on theirs.
Check our reviews on trip-advisor
-
Jack is very accommodating and easy to talk to. I booked last minute and he responded quickly to my inquiry. He was able to make an itinerary that was kid-friendly,... read more 
larimer h
February 19, 2023
