For example, it is considered offensive to sit on a chair with one’s legs crossed, especially in the presence of an elder. Clothing is often used as an indicator of social status. It is considered important to dress in modest and neat clothing.
Contents
What is considered offensive in Thailand?
Don’t point your feet: Pointing your feet at someone, raising your feet higher than someone’s head, or simply putting your feet on a desk or chair are considered extremely rude in Thailand. The bottoms of the feet are dirty: don’t show them to people! Avoid pointing feet at Buddhas in and outside of temples.
Do and don’ts in Thai culture?
Don’t place your feet on the table while sitting, don’t point to anything with your feet and don’t touch anybody with your feet. Don’t raise your voice or lose your temper; try and be jai yen. Don’t be offended by questions about age, marital status or what you do for a living.
Is it disrespectful to touch someone’s head in Thailand?
Don’t touch people’s heads
In Thailand, the head is considered sacred and the cleanest part of the body, so it’s deemed offensive to touch people’s heads or hair. If you slip up and do this accidently, apologise as soon as you can and you’ll find most Thais will quickly forgive you for it.
Is it illegal to kiss in Thailand?
Kissing on the lips with your Thai girlfriend or boyfriend in public may be romantic for Westerners but it is certainly a taboo in Thailand. Holding hands can be acceptable but other unrestrained gestures of intimacy displayed in public are frowned on by many Thais.
Are Thais polite?
Overall, there is nothing too surprising when it comes to being polite in Thailand. Some customs are a bit unique and different from what you would find elsewhere. By being generally mindful and observing others, you should not face any issues.
Can you wear red in Thailand?
Of course, it is perfectly safe to wear a red shirt in Thailand! Unless that is you wear one and join a mass demonstration against the army’s orders… Red is an auspicious color in Thailand cause of the Thai-Chinese, and Sunday is the ‘red day of the week’.
How do you show respect in Thailand?
In Thailand, a wai, a gesture where you place your hand together in a “praying” sign at chest level, is a polite greeting. To show more respect, raise the wai higher, to your chin or nose-level.
What should not do in Thailand?
What Not To Do In Thailand
- Do Not Touch People’s Heads. Image Source.
- Do Not Use Your Feet For Anything But Walking. Image Source.
- Do Not Touch The Monks. Image Source.
- Do Not Keep Your Shoes On All The Time.
- Do Not Take Photos With Captured Animals.
- Do Not Get Involved With Illegal Drugs.
- Do Not Overstay Your Visa Period.
Is chewing gum illegal in Thailand?
By law, chewing gum — with the exception of dental or nicotine gum — may not be bought or sold.If you get caught spitting out your gum on the streets, you can be fined up to $700.
Is eye contact rude in Thailand?
Pointing with a single finger is considered to be rude and accusatory. Eye Contact: Eye contact shows attentiveness to the person talking.When being instructed or spoken to by a superior, it is respectful to lower one’s eyes. Height and Bowing: An important way Thais show respect is through lowering their head.
What are taboos in Thailand?
Ten Taboos in Thailand
- Never touch a person’s head.
- Don’t point the soles of your feet at another person.
- Never step on money when you drop it by accident.
- Don’t move or pick up objects with your feet.
- Criticizing the royal family.
- Dressing inappropriately when visiting a temple.
- Touching holy relics.
- Touching a monk.
What does two fingers mean in Thailand?
This gestured insult is known as the moutza. Performing the two-fingered V sign or salute can be interpreted differently by which part of the hand is facing the recipient. Incorrect use can lead to an embarrassing situation. The V sign shown with an open palm and used throughout the world is a sign of peace or victory.
What is a Thai kiss?
A very noteworthy and loving way of saying “hello” with body language is what Thai people call the “sniff kiss.” The first time I encountered a sniff kiss in Thailand was when my neighbors met my children and their first move was to smell their cheeks, sometimes their hair or their necks.
Can you hug in Thailand?
For you these are just souvenirs, for Thais it is their cultural heritage. * It is not polite to express your private affection by hugging and kissing your partener in public places. Holding hands is OK for foreigners, but rarely seen at locals.
Do Thai people like to hug?
Thailand is a conservative country, so hugging and kissing in public places is considered impolite in Thai society. Though nowadays it’s more acceptable, still some old people take it seriously.
What is the meaning of Khun?
Khun (courtesy title) (คุณ, short vowel, middle tone) is a common Thai honorific. Khun (noble title) (ขุน, short vowel, rising tone) is a former royally bestowed Thai noble title.
What does Khun Pi mean?
To call anyone that older than you.
What is kun in Thai?
The most common of these honorifics is คุณ /kun/ (Sir or Madam) which is usually OK to use with most people except it just might be a little formal to use with people really close to you.
What does pink mean in Thailand?
Pink is also the lucky color of the King in Thailand as when he recovered his astronomer advised him to wear it often for his good luck and health.
Is it polite to slurp in Thailand?
Unlike in some some Asian countries, slurping soups and noodles isn’t a good idea. Don’t forget to thank your host with a polite kawp khun khrap/kha (“thank you” male/female) at the end of the meal.
