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.
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How can I be respectful in Thailand?
In Thailand this is the universal greeting and basic sign of respect. You Wai everyone and anyone, always at hello and often at goodbye as well. The higher you place your hands the more respectful it is – placing your hands together at your forehead and bowing is the most respectful and is only used when at temple.
Why is respect so important in Thailand?
Respect for one’s elders and those of higher social rank pervades every aspect of Thai daily life. Age (and social rank) provides order within Thai culture. It is important, not least because forms of address are dependent on whether the person you are addressing is older or younger than you.
What are some good manners in Thailand?
7 dos and don’ts of Thai cultural etiquette
- Don’t bad mouth royalty.
- Do cover up in temples.
- Do take your shoes off.
- Don’t underestimate the Buddha symbol.
- Don’t touch people’s heads.
- Do respect monks.
- Do return the ‘wai’ greeting.
How should you behave in Thailand?
The top 10 do’s and don’ts in Thailand
- DO dress properly. Make sure to dress properly when visiting Thai temples and royal palaces – shoulders and knees covered for both sexes.
- DO take off your shoes.
- DO respect the monarchy.
- DO keep your patience.
- DO …
- DON’T point.
- DON’T put your feet up.
- DON’T forget the mosquito repellent.
What is disrespectful Thailand?
Traditionally, Thais consider feet to be the lowest and filthiest part of the body. As such, pointing your feet at another person or sacred item – such as a statue of the Buddha – is considered extremely disrespectful.
What does Khun mean in English?
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 is the attitude of Thailand?
A harmonious demeanour and calm disposition is the norm, while excessive displays of negative emotions (e.g. anger, selfishness) or outbursts are avoided. Many social interactions among Thai people take into account another individual’s status relative to one’s self (i.e. their age, level of education, line of work).
What are Thai values?
The 12 Thai Values are:
- Upholding of the three main pillars of the country: the nation, the religion, and the monarchy;
- Honesty, sacrifice, and patience with positive attitude for the interest of the public;
- Filial piety towards parents, guardians and teachers;
- Seeking of direct and indirect knowledge and education;
What are Thailand’s beliefs?
Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, 94% of the population practice Buddhism. Five percent of the population practice Islam while Christianity and other religions account for 1%. The Theravada school is the main form of Buddhism practiced in Thailand.
How do you insult someone from Thailand?
Koh Rang Yai
- Insults. stupid.
- kwai. This is the Thai word for buffalo.
- nah gliat. This is a funny one.
- kee nee-ow. This phrase means stingy or tight with money.
- ‘kee nok’ and ‘kee ngok’ These two insults probably cause more confusion and debate than any others.
- ai & ee. These are insulting titles.
- Swear Words.
Why is it rude to point in Thailand?
Pointing your feet at someone is considered very rude in Thailand and should be avoided at all costs. The feet are considered as the lowest and dirtiest part of the body and the bottoms should never be pointed at anyone, especially at Buddhas.
What is Thai manner?
Manners in Greeting
Thais give a respectful wai when we meet our older relatives, friends or acquaintances. We put the palms of our hands together and raise them up, at chest level for equals, nose level for people older or whom we respect, and forehead level for people we highly respect.
What is the most respected body part in Thailand?
The head
Thais place importance and significance to different parts of the body. The head is seen as the most spiritual part of the body and you should never touch a person’s head … although, most people wouldn’t go around touching strangers’ heads in any case!
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.
Do people in Thailand 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 does ✌ 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 the meaning of cross finger in Thailand?
to place a finger across the one next to it, for good luck. ขอให้โชคดี (Translation of cross one’s fingers from the PASSWORD English–Thai Dictionary © 2015 K Dictionaries Ltd)
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’.
Why do Thai use P?
It stands for the Thai word พี่, pronounced “pee”, like the letter name, only with falling tone. Not restricted to women’s names. As mentioned, used in the 2nd or 3rd person to refer to people of roughly your same generation but older than you.
What does Khun Pi mean?
To call anyone that older than you.
