Here is a list of Do’s and Don’t’s in Thailand, most of which are common-sensical, with some important points that should be noted if you ever plan a trip to Thailand.
When in Bangkok, do as the Thais do - just like the saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, which is used to advise people to adapt to the culture of the places that they visit. When visiting any country, you need to respect the local people and their customs just like you would do in your home country. Thais are generally very tolerant and hospitable people, and the average tourist will have no difficulty in adjusting to the local customs.
THE DO's:DO respect Thai customs. While Thais are generally forgiving towards visitors, disrespect towards images of Buddha or the Royal Family will not be tolerated.
DO smile whenever you can. Thais smile under any kind of situation, a cultural habit that many Westerners find it hard to understand.
DO show respect for Buddhism and anything associated with the Buddhist religion. Dress properly when entering a Buddhist temple. Miniskirts, shorts, sleeveless, and slippers are unacceptable when entering Buddhist temples.
DO call Thai people by their first names, but add the title "Khun" (Mr, Ms & Mrs) for adults. Don't be surprised if you are addressed as 'Khun James' or 'Khun John' instead of your surname.
DO follow common sense health precautions and check with your local doctor on current vaccination recommendations for traveling within Thailand.
DO ensure you have adequate travel insurance and that it covers both medical treatment and unexpected losses/expenses/theft.
DO be careful when driving in Thailand. Only use car hire companies which offer full insurance coverage.
DO take care of your valuables at all times and report any loss immediately to the nearest tourist police office.
DO be careful with your passport. Be on guard against pickpockets, chain-snatchers or inadvertent loss.
DO stand up when the National Anthem is being played. At 8 AM and 6 PM, the National Anthem is played in most public places in Thailand. Everyone is supposed to stand still and wait until the anthem is over then continue walking, so watching them will be helpful.
DO stand at the cinema while the Royal Anthem is being played before movie begins. The anthem, along with portraits of the King, is played before every film, and everyone in the theater is expected to rise and remain standing until the anthem is over. Not being seen standing is considered very rude and disrespectful.
DO remove your shoes when entering a Thai home. This also applies to some Thai offices. This is not only a religious custom but also has practical consequences.
DO ask for a VAT Refund Form and keep the original tax invoices given to you by department stores. As a tourist, you are not required to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) on items more than 5,000 Baht that you intend to take out of Thailand. Stores participating in the refund scheme display a sign that says: “VAT Refund for Tourists”.
DO drop your garbage or cigarette stubs into a waste container bin only.
THE DON'T's:DON'T do or say anything that may offend the Royal Family. The King and the Royal Family are held in highest regard by Thais. The same behavior applies to any object - such as money bearing the King's image.
DON'T climb atop or pose in front of, or mimic any images of the Buddha as they are considered most sacred.
DON'T wear shoes inside the chapel of a Buddhist temple since this is where the Buddha image resides. It's alright to wear shoes while walking around the compound of the Buddhist temple.
DON'T touch a monk or hand anything directly to him if you are a woman. If a woman has to give something to a monk, she has to hand it to a man first, who will present it on her behalf. But if the monk spreads a piece of saffron robe or handkerchief in front of him, then the woman can lay down the material onto the robe. Women must not sit next to a monk in the bus or train.
DON'T touch a person’s head as Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body and would not approve of it even as a friendly gesture.
DON'T touch a Thai woman without her consent as Thai women are generally conservative.
DON'T point your fingers or foot at someone or use your feet to make any sort of indication. Since they are the least popular part of your body keep your feet low. Don’t pickup something with your feet. Don’t rest your feet over another person, on tables or chairs. Don’t step over someone.
DON'T pass in front of a superior or an elderly person with your head held higher than theirs, lower your head slightly to appear more like their height. As it is not necessary to lower your head completely, just the attempt is enough. It could be a challenge if you’re over 6 feet tall and the elderly person is 2 feet shorter, you wouldn’t want to return to your country with kyphosis!
DON'T assume that Thai women are easily available. A very small percentage of the female population is working in the sex industry, which means that most of them are not prostitutes. Offending a woman in this way is not going to turn out well, as you can get yourself in big trouble.
DON'T export any Buddha images, works of art or antiques.
DON'T overstay. Fines are imposed for each day you stay in Thailand beyond the date of the visa expiry.
DON'T sunbathe or swim nude at the beach.
DON'T lose your temper, especially in public places. Thais think such acts denote poor manners, so you are better off keeping a cool head and concealing your emotions.
DON'T carry anything through customs for anyone else unless you know the contents. Penalties for drug trafficking are severe.
DON'T participate in any form of gambling as it is against the law in Thailand and penalties are severe.
DON'T buy gemstones or jewelry unless it is from a reputable dealer. Many sophisticated scams have sprung up over recent years. Whether the tout is dressed as a student, a woman, a monk or a policeman, always deal only with a registered gemstone dealer.
DON'T drink the tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere.
DON'T display intimacy in public, even if you are married. So don't kiss in public, don't walk with your arms around each other. These things
are were considered very impolite in Thailand.
DON'T initiate a 'wai', only reply to one without the need to lower your head when doing so. Do not wai servants and children. A Wai is the traditional Thai way of greeting each other by pressing the palms against each other in a prayer-like gesture.
DON'T stand still if an elephant approaches you on the sidewalk, just step aside as quickly as possible while making sure to keep a safe distance from the elephant’s wagging tail. Any attempts to spank the elephant might backfire, as the elephants have been one of the best weapons during huge battles in Thailand's ancient days.
DON'T stare at people; try to turn away before they catch you looking.
DON'T walk right into a train at a skytrain or subway station, while ignoring the queue in front of you, as this is very rude behavior. Avoid holding on the pole all by yourself or resting your back and butt on it when other people need to hold on to it while on a moving train.
DON'T finish up the dishes when dining with your Thai friends in a restaurant. Your Thai friends will keep ordering more, until you leave something on your dish, so that they can clearly notice that you have had enough.
DON'T bargain for products at department stores since the prices are fixed and are already labeled, also don’t bargain at restaurants.
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