Etiquette in Thailand — What's Acceptable and What's Worth Avoiding

The Head Is Considered a Sensitive Part

Avoid touching other people's heads, including children's — it's considered the most respected body part in Thai culture.

Removing Shoes

It's customary to remove shoes before entering private homes, temples, and sometimes shops too — watch for signs or other shoes already at the entrance.

Dress at Temples

Many temples require covering shoulders and knees — worth carrying a light shawl or long pants for such visits.

Greeting, Respect and Communication

The traditional greeting is the wai: palms pressed together in front of the chest and a slight bow. Tourists aren't obliged to return it, but a smile and a slight bow are always well received. Thais value calm and self-control, and the concept of 'jai yen' (a cool heart) means not raising your voice and not arguing angrily. A loud argument is considered an insult to dignity, and usually solves nothing.

Feet, Monks and the Buddha

Feet are considered the lowest part of the body, so don't point them at people or Buddha images, and don't step on the threshold of a temple. Women don't touch monks and don't hand them objects directly. Buddha images are sacred objects: don't climb on them, pose in disrespectful ways, or treat them as decoration; exporting Buddha images may also require a permit. Monks sometimes travel on buses and in public places, and should be treated with respect.

When visiting temples, dress modestly and take off your shoes at the entrance. The packing list has clothing advice.

The King, Money and the Law

In Thailand there is deep respect for the royal family, and the law prohibits offending its dignity. So avoid comments, jokes or posts on the subject. Banknotes bear the king's image, so don't step on them or throw them. Excessive public displays of affection are also not customary and may cause discomfort.

In Restaurants, Markets and Your Accommodation

In markets, bargaining with a smile is part of the culture, but always respectfully, as detailed in how to bargain at markets. Tipping isn't mandatory, and you can read about it in tipping in Thailand. And more broadly, the first-timer's guide completes the picture. All of these are simple to apply, and make a good impression on the people you meet along the way.

Common Tourist Mistakes

A few mistakes come up again and again: wearing beachwear away from the beach, for example entering a shop or temple without a shirt, sitting higher than a monk, handing something over with only one hand when giving to an elder or a monk, and getting too close to statues when taking photos. Topless or nude sunbathing is also illegal and can end in a fine.

Tattoos of religious figures, such as the Buddha, may also be considered offensive. If you have any, cover them when visiting temples. Above all, when in doubt, watch how locals behave and do the same.

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