culture - Dos and Don'ts in Bangkok

How do you address someone older than you when in Thailand?  Or how should you greet someone in Thailand.  These and other useful tips on Thai Culture.

Dos and Don'ts

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Dos and Don'ts in Bangkok

Here are some tips on Thai etiquette and Thai culture.

How to greet a local

• Place my palms together as if I'm saying a prayer. This is the wai gesture.
• The tips of my fingers should be somewhere between my chin and nose; closer to the nose if I am greeting a person of higher honour, e.g. an elderly.
• For females, you say 'sawa-dii-kha'. For males, you say 'sawa-dii-khrap'.

Avoid losing your temper

• Bangkok is the Land of Smiles, so avoid losing your temper under any circumstances, because this means a loss of face for both you and those around. Always keep a cool head and look on the bright side.

Avoid the feet and head

• Never point your feet at people or things because it is the lowest part of the body, physically and spirtually.
• Similarly, as the head is regarded as the highest part of the body, never touch a Thai on the head. But do apologize immediately if you accidentally do so, or it's considered very rude.

Public Displays of affection

• You may see the younger, more "modernised" Thai couples holding hands in the cities, like Bangkok. But generally, for Thai culture, public displays of affection is frowned upon.

For Women

• Do not touch a Buddhist monk if you are a woman. If you want to give something a monk, pass it to a man who will pass it to the monk. Or, spread a cloth in front of the monk and place your gift on it.