The traditional gesture of greeting or thanking someone is to fold your hands in front of you and bend slightly forward. This is called a "wai". The wai is a graceful, totally unique action practiced throughout Thailand. It plays a very important part in showing respect, and is central to Thai etiquette.

The temple is a holy place. Behavior should be respectful (like in any place of worship all over the world).

Treat Buddha statues with respect (no climbing, touching, taking funny pictures etc.).

Shoes off before entering a temple.

No revealing clothes in an active temple (a temple still used for religious purpose).

Don't step on the threshold, always step over it.

Women should never touch a monk.

The head is regarded as the highest part of the body and should be treated with respect.

Don’t touch someone else's head or ruffle his hair, unless asked. If you touch itaccidentally, offer an apology or you will be perceived as very rude.

Don't sit on pillows meant for sleeping as this represents a variant of the taboo against head-touching.

In the same context the feet are the lowest part of the body and are unclean.

Don't point at anything or anyone with your foot. This is the worst insult you can do to a Thai.

Never touch any part of someone else's body with your foot.

Don’t drop your feet on chairs or tables while sitting.

Never step over people, food or temple gifts, example squeeze around people who are sitting on the floor or ask them to move instead.

Hot News about Thailand

Thai puppet troupe wins 'Best Performance Award'
BANGKOK, June 9 (TNA) - Traditional Thai puppetry won the hearts of the judges at an international festival of puppet art held in the Czech Republic.
This year’s performance by Joe Louis traditional Thai puppet or the Naatayasala troupe at the 12th World Festival of Puppet Art 2008, held in Prague, won the “Best Performance Award”—the highest acclaim given out this year.

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Thailand Hotels and Resorts discount rate reservations - Do and Don't

Do & Don't in Thailand

Thais always “wai” with friendly smiles and say “sawasdee” to hello you.

The temple is a holy place. Behavior should be respectful (like in any place of worship all over the world).

The head is regarded as the highest part of the body and should be treated with respect.

Hot News about Thailand

Top Destinations of Day Trip