Thailand Culture & Customs

Culture & Customs

The Thai people are renowned for their peaceful friendly and softly spoken manner, and it’s difficult not to become endeared to this mild natured national personality and its graceful ways. Even in the cities and tourist areas where the ancient cultures and customs of the more remote villages have blended with a more liberal and westernised way of life, Thai people still practice and display many of the traditions and customs which make this country and its people so unique.

In contrast to many western countries, large tips are not expected in restaurants or hotels. Smaller gratuities are however, quite common practice for both the locals and tourists. As a guideline, rounding up the bill in restaurants and taxis is considered polite, whilst 50 - 100 baht for assistance with your luggage at a hotel will be well received as will a small token of appreciation for the chambermaids. More up-market hotels and restaurants will include a 10% service charge in the bill.

Shopping in Thailand is an art. With a positive attitude, sense of humour and some respect the whole process of agreeing on a price for goods at the many markets and stalls can be quite an enjoyable experience. Bartering or more correctly haggling, involves a process of negotiation between the buyer and seller by which a final price may be agreed upon by both. This can often mean paying 40-50% less for something than the original asking price, and can be good fun if respect is shown and given. It’s always a good idea to know the approximate worth of something before you start bargaining, as you may well up paying more that what the item is worth.

The overwhelming majority of Thais are practicing Theravada Buddhists, and it’s difficult to go anywhere in Thailand without seeing temples known as wats, Buddha statues, and the omnipresent orange robed monks.

Whilst the Thais are very tolerant with tourists, any visitor should take the time to understand this unique culture and its customs as there are many do’s and don’ts. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon in Thai culture, as is a woman showing too much skin (especially shoulders and legs above the knee). The top of the head is considered sacred, and patting a Thai on the head (even a child) is a big no no. Feet, especially the soles of the feet are considered to be unclean, thus pointing your feet at someone would be considered to be rude. Thais are very modest both in their behaviour and the way they dress, so going topless on a beach will cause offense, as will entering a temple or wat dressed inappropriately. As a guideline for entering a temple, women should ensure that at least their shoulders and arms are covered, and legs are covered to well bellow the knee. For men, long pants are usually mandatory. Whilst a T-shirt may suffice, but something more tailored may be more acceptable. Monks and novices are not allowed to touch women in any way. If as a woman you want to make a gift to a monk or novice, you should place the gift on the ground so it can be picked up, and sometimes a gift can be placed on a special cloth they carry for this purpose. It is illegal to show disrespect towards the royal family of Thailand and prison terms up to 15 years are not uncommon. It is also illegal to posses copies of the movie or book “The King and I”, or “Anna and the King”. To enjoy a trouble free visit to Thailand it is wise to do some additional research beforehand, use your common sense, and show respect.