You’ve been holidaying in Thailand all wrong.
How? You’ve been tipping the wrong amounts, making too much noise and pointing at things, to name but a few faux pas.
But don’t worry. Travel experts have revealed some Thai-riffic etiquette tips to MailOnline Travel so you can have a holiday in Thailand without causing any upset.
Here’s everything you need to know before heading to ‘The Land of Smiles’.
Take your shoes off
Thai people don’t like dirty shoe soles in their homes, so failing to remove shoes is seen as disrespectful.
Cindy Scott, travel expert and blogger at Cinders Travel, tells MailOnline Travel: ‘One of the simplest dos is to remove your shoes before entering homes, guesthouses and many shops. In Thailand, stepping inside without removing your shoes can come across as disrespectful.’
Shuban Kotwal, product director at Away Holidays, agrees, adding: ‘Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple. Look for signs outside shops or restaurants, as some smaller establishments may have this rule as well.’
Don’t point with your feet or hands
Take this point on board.
Betty Bouchier-Hobin, destination expert at Destination2, warns that ‘pointing your feet at sacred objects’ is ‘highly disrespectful’.
Travel experts have revealed some Thai-riffic etiquette tips to MailOnline Travel so you can have a holiday in Thailand without causing any upset
She explains: ‘It’s important to avoid sticking your feet out, especially towards monks or Buddha images and never at food or books.’
Pointing in general is actually a no-no, says Betty, who adds: ‘Pointing can often be seen as rude, especially if directed at people. If you must, try using your whole hand or a subtle chin nod instead.’
Avoid stepping on thresholds
Stepping on a threshold will raise hackles.
Betty explains: ‘In Thailand, door thresholds often hold spiritual significance, particularly in temples, so it’s important to respect that.
‘Stepping on a threshold is seen as disrespectful, so always step over it to show your awareness.’
Never touch someone’s head
‘The head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body in Thailand. It’s important to never touch anyone’s head, even casually or playfully,’ warns Betty.
She explains: ‘If you ever find yourself in a situation where you must touch someone’s head, always ask permission first to show respect for their belief.’
Shuban adds: ‘Even a friendly gesture, like ruffling someone’s hair, can be disrespectful.’
Dress modestly for temples
Tourists could be ‘turned away from temple entrances’ if their attire doesn’t ‘meet the standards of modesty required’
No need to dress to impress when visiting temples.
Elaine Warren, travel expert at the Family Cruise Companion, reveals: ‘I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen tourists turned away from temple entrances because their attire didn’t meet the standards of modesty required.
‘It’s a good idea to pack a couple of lightweight shawls or scarves that can double as cover-ups.’
Shuban explains: ‘While Thailand is famous for its beaches, modest clothing is expected when visiting temples or sacred sites. Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect.’
Use the ‘wai’ greeting
‘A traditional Thai greeting involves placing your palms together at chest level and slightly bowing your head,’ explains Shuban.
The travel expert adds: ‘This is called a “wai” and is a polite way to greet locals, particularly elders or people in formal settings.’
Betty reveals: ‘This traditional greeting helps show respect and is a great way to connect with locals.’
Keep noise levels low
Noises off, please.
Elaine warns: ‘If I could give one critical piece of advice to families travelling to Thailand, it’s to keep noise levels down. In temples, this is non-negotiable.
‘But even in public places like markets or on public transport, loud voices can be seen as disruptive.’
Cindy remarks: ‘Thai people value a calm, easygoing demeanour known as “jai yen”, so loud confrontations or overt displays of anger can be seen as off-putting.’
She adds: ‘If you find yourself in a frustrating situation, take a deep breath and remember that politeness and a smile often solve problems more effectively than raised voices.’
Tourists should ‘always ask permission before photographing people, especially monks’
Respect the queuing culture
This is one piece of advice Brits should have no problem following.
Cindy says: ‘Observe how locals queue up for public transport or how they navigate busy markets. Often, it means moving with the flow, taking turns politely and not pushing through crowds aggressively.
‘If you’re dining in smaller restaurants or street food stalls, it’s perfectly okay to wait to be seated or to politely grab a table when it’s free.’
Shuban adds that ‘Thais highly value politeness and calmness’.
Be careful taking photos
Don’t be too snap-happy.
Betty explains: ‘Always ask permission before photographing people, especially monks, and be mindful of sacred spaces like temples.’
When it comes to monks, Shuban adds that tourists should ‘maintain a respectful distance’.
Be respectful of the Royal Family
‘Thais hold their Royal Family in high regard,’ explains Shuban.
The travel expert adds: ‘Making jokes or negative comments about them is not only offensive but could also result in legal consequences.’
Respect the tipping culture
No need to splash the cash.
Shuban says: ‘While tipping is appreciated, especially in tourist areas, over-tipping can sometimes come across as patronising. A 10 per cent tip or rounding up the bill is sufficient.’
The travel experts reveal that ‘smiling can take you a long way’ in Thailand as it’s a ‘universal language’ in the country
Use your right hand in shops
Cindy explains: ‘When handing over or receiving items – like money at a shop – use your right hand, and if possible, support your right arm with your left hand near the elbow.
‘This simple act, often seen in many Southeast Asian cultures, is a subtle sign of respect.’
And remember to smile
‘Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles”,’ says Elaine, ‘and there’s a good reason for that. Smiling can take you a long way in this culture.
‘One time, when my son accidentally spilled some juice at a street food stall, he smiled and apologised, and the vendor not only forgave him but laughed it off and gave him a new drink for free!’
Betty adds: ‘Smiling is a universal language in Thailand and an integral part of cultural etiquette. Keeping a happy face or returning a smile can express friendliness and ease any tension.’
