- Etiquette in Social Interactions
Thailand places great emphasis on manners, and greetings are often done with a gesture called the “wai”, where both hands are pressed together in front of the chest.
It is considered inappropriate to touch another person’s head. Whether sitting, lying down, or shopping, it is also rude to point your feet at people or objects.
- Public Spaces
Avoid speaking loudly or spitting in public places. -
Visiting Buildings
When visiting temples or palaces, dress should be neat and modest. Men should wear shirts with sleeves and long pants, while women should wear skirts or pants that go past the knees. Do not wear revealing clothing such as tank tops, strapless tops, or ripped jeans.
Shoes must be removed before entering a temple, and it is prohibited to touch or climb on Buddha statues for photos.
Women should avoid getting too close to monks or having physical contact with them. When handing something to a monk, it should be wrapped in cloth, or a man should pass it on their behalf.
If taking photos of monks, you should ask for permission beforehand and express gratitude afterward.
- Accommodation
When staying in hotels in Thailand, durians are not allowed inside the rooms. -
Water Activities
Choose reputable tour and boating companies, and always follow staff instructions when going on boat trips. Strictly adhere to safety requirements, such as wearing life jackets, to prevent injury from rough waters.
When participating in water activities like snorkeling or swimming, please closely monitor the weather and sea conditions. Avoid going into the water if there is bad weather, red flag warnings on the beach, or if you are in a physical state such as being hungry, full, under the influence of alcohol, or fatigued.
- Transportation
In Thailand, traffic drives on the left. When crossing the street, follow the signals of the red and green traffic lights and use pedestrian crossings.
Taxis are available in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, and fares can either be metered or agreed upon as a flat rate. Make sure to clarify the pricing method before getting in. Keep an eye on your belongings and take a photo of the taxi’s license plate in case of any issues for easier tracking.
Motorbike taxis in Thailand are fast, so make sure to wear a helmet if you use one.
For self-driving in Thailand (including motorcycles), you need to have an international driver’s license or a Thai driver’s license. Rent vehicles from reputable rental companies, review the rental contract carefully, and ensure the vehicle’s insurance is valid. Never leave your passport or other important documents as a deposit with the rental company to avoid affecting your travel plans.
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Tipping
Thailand is not traditionally a tipping country, but due to the high number of tourists, tipping has become common, though it is not mandatory. If you receive exceptional service, it’s appropriate to tip. For hotel porters, housekeeping, or massage therapists, tips typically start at 20 THB, and coins should not be used for tipping. -
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol is prohibited in places like temples, parks, gas stations, bus stations, and beaches. In addition, alcohol sales in convenience stores and supermarkets are restricted between 12:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, meaning alcohol can only be purchased during lunch and dinner hours. -
Cannabis
Cannabis is legal for medicinal use in Thailand. You may notice some shops, restaurants, bars, and massage parlors displaying signs with a green leaf. Be aware of these symbols. -
Gambling
Gambling is prohibited in Thailand, including card games like poker and mahjong, which are illegal activities.
