DELUXE TRAVELLER

The wai is a traditional greeting in Thailand

One of the main attractions of any holiday lies in the opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture that’s completely different to your own. Whether you’re from a country that shares a border with Thailand, or the other side of the world, you’ll quickly discover that Thai culture encompasses many unique intricacies when it comes to local behaviour.

Familiarising yourself with the basic do’s and don’ts can be a useful thing to do before your trip. By learning more about Thai etiquette, you’ll not only avoid potentially embarrassing situations in which you could be offending someone, but your efforts won’t go unnoticed by local people. If a truly Thai experience is one of the main things you intend to immerse yourself in during the vacation, then interacting with the locals is a must.

If you want to make sure the Thai people around you stay smiling, check out our top tips on how to observe Thai etiquette whilst on holiday.

Traditional greeting

The wai is a respectful form of greeting in Thailand

Shaking hands, kissing cheeks and bowing are all traditional forms of greeting in different parts of the world. In Thailand, however, you’ll find that the “wai” is the customary way of greeting someone. The hands are brought into a prayer-like position in front of the chest and the head is slightly bowed. If someone wais you in Thailand, you should always return the gesture as a mark of respect. According to social etiquette, only royalty and monks are allowed to forego returning a wai. Returning a wai is not only respectful, but it’s a great way to fit in with local life – especially if you smile as you do so. You’ll find that locals appreciate it when you make the effort, too.

Right and wrong

Try to use your right hand when passing anything or touching anyone

Whether you’re paying for something in a shop or passing something to a Thai friend, always try to use your right hand for the action. Why? In Thai culture, the left hand is considered to be dirty, so always aim to use the right when you are passing anything or touching anyone.

If you want to take this even further, you can bring your left hand to your right forearm to show a further sign of respect. While this isn’t always necessary in daily interactions, it’s the small extras that will help you – a foreigner to Thailand – ingratiate yourself with the local people.

Sacred respect

Monks usually receive a higher wai (closer to the forehead) than a lay person typically would

If you have any temple tours booked into your travel itinerary, then it’s highly likely that you will encounter Thai Buddhist monks at some point during your holiday. Even if you don’t go to a temple during your stay in the Land of Smiles, it’s likely that you’ll see monks out and about on the streets, collecting alms from local people. Therefore, it’s handy to learn what etiquette is required if you come into contact with a monk, as it’s important to show extra respect.

For example, monks will receive a higher wai than ordinary people. While you would normally place your hands close to your chest in a prayer-like position when greeting a lay person, you may place the thumbs to your forehead when you greet a monk. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the monk does not have to return your wai. If you’re at a ceremony or gathering with a monk – a wedding, for instance – it is customary for the monks to eat first.

Another important point to note is that women should never touch a monk, either brushing their robes accidentally or to pass them something.

Shoes off

Remove your shoes before entering a temple

Similar to many other Asian cultures, in Thailand it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home. There are even some shops that will ask you to remove your shoes. However, bear in mind that this rule is most important and should always be observed in temples. Don’t worry though – you’re unlikely to forget to pop your shoes off as you explore, as you’ll usually see pairs of shoes grouped outside the entrance to the place where you’re supposed to take them off. Our top tip, therefore, would be to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off without too much effort. You don’t want to be re-tying double knots every five minutes!

There’s a number of other do’s and don’ts when it comes to temple attire. For example, visitors should wear loose clothing that covers their legs and shoulders – so leave your shorts at home for the day! If you happen to make an impromptu stop at a temple when you’re out and about, you’ll find that in many cases there are stalls nearby selling sarongs and pashminas, so you can fashion your own covering for your shoulders or legs.

The famous Thai smile

Thanks to its friendly people, Thailand has earned itself the moniker, “Land of Smiles”

Anyone that has travelled to Thailand will be familiar with the beautiful Thai smile. In fact, more than just being friendly, the Thai smile is an important part of Thai etiquette. Thai people will show their smile whenever they can as a sign of respect, and if someone smiles at you, you should always return the gesture. In Thailand, smiles are used in all scenarios, including when you’re bartering for a lower price at the market, or simply paying for your morning cup of coffee.

TIPS

In addition to all the do’s of Thai etiquette listed above, there are a few don’ts that are worth familiarising yourself with before you visit the Kingdom:

• Pointing with the feet is considered extremely rude, as the bottoms of the feet are dirty and should not be shown to anyone. When sitting on the floor, try to assume a position that does not show the bottoms of your feet to others.
• Touching someone else’s head is perhaps one of the biggest no no’s when it comes to Thai etiquette. This part of the body is considered to be the most sacred, so even a seemingly harmless gesture such as ruffling someone’s hair should be avoided at all costs.
• Like in other Asian cultures, saving face is important in Thailand – so don’t lose your cool in public.