Do's and Dont's In Thailand
Today’s advanced technology makes it possible for rapid communication among the world's peoples to occur. The opportunities to get in touch with groups of people belonging to different beliefs or cultures other than our own occur so easily that we are hardly aware of them. Therefore, if people are knowledgeable about different cultures, this will lead to better understanding and hopefully prevent issues from arising when you arrive in a new country to live.
Some key points to take note before you arrive in Thailand to make your stay easier and more comfortable;
The Monarchy
The Monarchy is an institution of worship and taken very seriously in Thailand. Any transgression to the Monarchy either openly or secretly is a crime according to the Thai Constitution. As a result, mindfulness and full respect should be afforded to the Monarchy when you arrive in Thailand.
For example, when you hear the national anthem being played at a cinema or public event, you should stand to pay respect until the anthem is finished.
When entering the Grand Palace (or other royal residence), please dress politely. Sleeveless shirts or blouses, shorts or sandals are not allowed.
Religion
Please also dress politely when visiting Buddhist temples. Visitors are allowed to wear shoes when walking around the temple, but the shoes must be removed when entering the Ubosot, and at places where there are signs specifying the removal of shoes.
There is a rule forbidding Buddhist monks from touching females. Therefore, women should not get too close to monks or make any kind of body contact with them if possible. If a woman is given something by a monk, she should wait for him to drop the object to her hand. If she wants to present something to the monk, to be polite, put it on a piece of cloth that he has spread in front of him.
Climbing, sitting on, or leaning against a Buddha image, regardless whether it is big or small, ruined or in good condition, genuine or a replica, is considered as disrespect to a religious object. If one wants to have a picture taken with a Buddha image, do it in a polite manner that shows respect to the image.
Buddha images should be placed in suitable places. Normally, Thais place Buddha images at a high level. Placing Buddha images on the floor, near the staircase, under a table or a chair, in the bathroom, or on the lawn is usually considered as disrespectful.
Buddha images are sold as objects of worship and not for any other purpose since they are deemed to represent the Lord Buddha. Moreover, the use of Buddha images as trademarks for goods such as sweets, beverages, alcoholic drinks, toys, or placing the Buddha images on articles used in daily life such as shoes, socks, swimwear or underclothing is also seen as disrespectful.
It is also illegal to remove images of the Buddha from Thailand.
Social Customs
Thais do not normally shake hands when they greet each other, but instead press the palms of their hands in a prayer-like gesture called “wai”. In general, a younger person should wai an older person, who will then return it.
Thais consider the head to be venerable and thus one should not touch anybody's head. If touching anyone's head by accident, it is wise to apologize to him/her immediately.
Thais consider it disrespectful to point your feet towards any person or object.
Seniority or hierarchy is very important for Thai people. Younger people are expected to pay respect to the elders. If someone is older than you, address them as “Pee” or “Nong” if they are younger.
Losing your temper, especially in public, will most likely get you nowhere. Thais see such displays as poor mannerism. You have a greater chance of getting what you want if you keep a cool head and remain polite.
Do not gamble in Thailand as it is illegal.
Always take your shoes off before entering someone’s house unless the house owners allow you to leave them on.
Shopping Advice
A wide variety of local souvenirs are available at reasonable prices in Thailand. For those who do not have much time and do not want to bother bargaining, products are also available at fixed prices in department stores. Bargaining can usually be done at smaller shops or with street vendors.
Make sure that all documents such as receipts, quality certificates, and credit card slips clearly indicate the name and address of the shop and the full purchase price.
Be aware that it is the usual practice of jewelry shops in Thailand that all goods, once purchased, cannot be returned. However, if a refund is offered, usually 25-30 percent of the purchase price will normally be deducted. Some reputable companies will take back jewelry for a full refund within 30 days after purchase.
Do not buy bus, plane or travel tickets in the street. Make sure that the shop is registered with the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) or you may end up with a ticket secured with a stolen credit card.
Copyright Thailand-Teacher.com 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Today’s advanced technology makes it possible for rapid communication among the world's peoples to occur. The opportunities to get in touch with groups of people belonging to different beliefs or cultures other than our own occur so easily that we are hardly aware of them. Therefore, if people are knowledgeable about different cultures, this will lead to better understanding and hopefully prevent issues from arising when you arrive in a new country to live.
Some key points to take note before you arrive in Thailand to make your stay easier and more comfortable;
The Monarchy
The Monarchy is an institution of worship and taken very seriously in Thailand. Any transgression to the Monarchy either openly or secretly is a crime according to the Thai Constitution. As a result, mindfulness and full respect should be afforded to the Monarchy when you arrive in Thailand.
For example, when you hear the national anthem being played at a cinema or public event, you should stand to pay respect until the anthem is finished.
When entering the Grand Palace (or other royal residence), please dress politely. Sleeveless shirts or blouses, shorts or sandals are not allowed.
Religion
Please also dress politely when visiting Buddhist temples. Visitors are allowed to wear shoes when walking around the temple, but the shoes must be removed when entering the Ubosot, and at places where there are signs specifying the removal of shoes.
There is a rule forbidding Buddhist monks from touching females. Therefore, women should not get too close to monks or make any kind of body contact with them if possible. If a woman is given something by a monk, she should wait for him to drop the object to her hand. If she wants to present something to the monk, to be polite, put it on a piece of cloth that he has spread in front of him.
Climbing, sitting on, or leaning against a Buddha image, regardless whether it is big or small, ruined or in good condition, genuine or a replica, is considered as disrespect to a religious object. If one wants to have a picture taken with a Buddha image, do it in a polite manner that shows respect to the image.
Buddha images should be placed in suitable places. Normally, Thais place Buddha images at a high level. Placing Buddha images on the floor, near the staircase, under a table or a chair, in the bathroom, or on the lawn is usually considered as disrespectful.
Buddha images are sold as objects of worship and not for any other purpose since they are deemed to represent the Lord Buddha. Moreover, the use of Buddha images as trademarks for goods such as sweets, beverages, alcoholic drinks, toys, or placing the Buddha images on articles used in daily life such as shoes, socks, swimwear or underclothing is also seen as disrespectful.
It is also illegal to remove images of the Buddha from Thailand.
Social Customs
Thais do not normally shake hands when they greet each other, but instead press the palms of their hands in a prayer-like gesture called “wai”. In general, a younger person should wai an older person, who will then return it.
Thais consider the head to be venerable and thus one should not touch anybody's head. If touching anyone's head by accident, it is wise to apologize to him/her immediately.
Thais consider it disrespectful to point your feet towards any person or object.
Seniority or hierarchy is very important for Thai people. Younger people are expected to pay respect to the elders. If someone is older than you, address them as “Pee” or “Nong” if they are younger.
Losing your temper, especially in public, will most likely get you nowhere. Thais see such displays as poor mannerism. You have a greater chance of getting what you want if you keep a cool head and remain polite.
Do not gamble in Thailand as it is illegal.
Always take your shoes off before entering someone’s house unless the house owners allow you to leave them on.
Shopping Advice
A wide variety of local souvenirs are available at reasonable prices in Thailand. For those who do not have much time and do not want to bother bargaining, products are also available at fixed prices in department stores. Bargaining can usually be done at smaller shops or with street vendors.
Make sure that all documents such as receipts, quality certificates, and credit card slips clearly indicate the name and address of the shop and the full purchase price.
Be aware that it is the usual practice of jewelry shops in Thailand that all goods, once purchased, cannot be returned. However, if a refund is offered, usually 25-30 percent of the purchase price will normally be deducted. Some reputable companies will take back jewelry for a full refund within 30 days after purchase.
Do not buy bus, plane or travel tickets in the street. Make sure that the shop is registered with the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) or you may end up with a ticket secured with a stolen credit card.
Copyright Thailand-Teacher.com 2024. All Rights Reserved.