Do and Don’t in Thai Culture

Technology makes people surviving in different corners around the globe to convey together more extensively than any time within the history. The opportunity to communicate with those with different beliefs and cultures happen to be opened up than ever. For better understanding, mutual respect and peaceful co-existence, the Ministry of Culture offers basic information of Thai culture for all to be aware of.

Thai Religion

1. When visiting Buddhist temples, dress politely. Visitors are able to wear shoes when running around the temple but shoes have to be removed when entering an inner sanctuary area or at places having a shoe removal sign.
    
2. Women usually are not in a position to have a very body connection with them. If a woman emerged something by the monk, watch for him to place the thing on the floor before picking it up. If sherrrd like to present something to the monk, wear it some cloth she has spread before him.
    
3. Climbing, on, or leaning against a Buddha image, no matter its size, condition or whether it's genuine or possibly a replica, is recognized as contempt to religious objects. Take a picture with a Buddha image has to be carried out a polite and respectful manner.
    
4. Buddha images should be put into suitable places. As Thais consider Buddha images sacred, placingthemon to the ground, with a table or a chair, in a bathroom, or about the lawn is regarded as contempt.
    
5. Buddha images can be bought as objects of worship instead of for just about any other purpose since they are considered representing god, the father Buddha. As such, Buddha images used as trademarks for sweets, beverages, alcoholic drinks, toys, or placing Buddha images on shoes, socks, swimwear, or underclothing is forbidden.
    
6. As a Buddha image is designed for worshipping, laws are actually issued to protect Buddha images. Unauthorized export of Buddha images from Thailand is a violation from the law, that will subject violators to law suit.
    
7. Hatred or contempt focused on religious objects or places of worship can be a violation in the law based on Clause 206 intheCriminalCodewhichhas a jail sentence of 1-7 years.
    
8. Creating a disturbance or even a riot in a religious assembly within a lawful meeting, worship, or religious ceremony is a prison according to Clause 207 with the Criminal Code which has a jail sentence of not more than one year.
    
9. Illegal dressing as being a faux clergy in almost any religion can be a violation in the law based on Clause 208 in the Criminal Code having a jail sentence of not more than one year.

 

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Thai Social

1. Thais greet each other having a ‘Wai,’ the original closed hands and a slight bow with the head, where younger individuals will initiate the wai. But more recently, western visitors will generally be given a handshake on meeting.
    
2. Thais take into account the head a sacred part of themselves. One therefore must not touch anybody’s head. Apologize immediate if however, you touch anyone’s head by accident.
    
3. Thais consider the feet lowly and so you need to not put his feet on the table or chair or point it at people or objects.
    
4. Expressing sexual feeling in public is unacceptable inside the Thai culture.
    
5. Showing a graphic from the Thai National Flag on any package or goods is allowed only when done
   1) by government’s agencies, and
   2) for commercial purpose, while using government’s approval in line with the laws concerning the National Flag.
    
6. Clean water and proper utensils needs to be used throughout the Songkran Festival or even the Thai New Year and water shouldn't be thrown at people that do not wish to become part of the celebration.

 

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Thailand Monarchy

1. The Monarchy is utmost regarded by Thais like a revered institution. Any transgression for the Monarchy either openly or secretly is a misdemeanor in accordance with the Constitution.
    
2. Respect must be paid towards the Monarchy.
    
3. You need to stand being a gesture of respect if the Royal Anthem is played.
    
4. When entering a palace compound, dress politely. Sleeveless shirts or blouses, shorts, or sandals are not allowed.

 

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General Advice You should know

1. Observe all normal precautions on the subject of personal safety plus the safety of the belongings. Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Make certain that your valuables-money, jewelry, and air travel are well protected from loss. Call 1155, Tourist Police, for assistance.
    
2. Drop your garbage in a waste container. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is strictly enforcing the laws to maintain the town cleaner, healthier. Fine is additionally imposed to the people who spit, discard cigarette stubs or litter.
    
3. Avoid meddling with drugs. Drug offences include death sentence in Thailand.
    
4. Don't support wild animal abuse by any means. Never purchase products or souvenirs produced from wild animals including snakes, monitor lizards, turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.