When visiting another country, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with any customs that may be new to you. It's easy to blunderinto giving offense, particularly in Middle Eastern or Asian countries, where the difference can be significant. Here are a few tips forvisiting Thailand.
Visitors should dress neatly and conservatively in all religious shrines. They should never go sleeveless, in shorts, midriff baring tops, or other unsuitable attire. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
Every Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.
The Thais have a great respect and affection for their Royal Family. Please don't make any comments that might indicate a lack of respect for them.
Be a good sport. The Thais are a gentle, humorous people, and deal with every day problems with a smile. If your waitress forgets your coffee, she may laugh at her mistake. Sometimes westerns see this as laughing at them personally and react badly. This is not the case. Relax and be gracious. Courtesy under fire is very important to the Thais.
The Thais use a courtesy form of address: "Khun". Don't be surprised if someone calls you "Khun John", or simply "Khun". It is also very common for a Thai to use your first name at a first meeting.
It is not unusual if a Thai does not look at you while he or she is speaking with you. For a Thai, it is considered impolite to look someone in the eye when talking to them.
The head has special significance to the Thais, as do the feet. They are the highest and lowest parts of the body, respectively. It's important that you don't touch anyone on the head. Also, pointing your feet at a person or object is considered very rude. Do remove your shoes when entering a private home or the sanctuary of a temple.
When meeting you, a Thai may greet you with a gesture called a "Wai" instead of shaking hands. A Wai is made by pressing your palms together in front of your chest, as if you were praying. A younger person will always greet an older person with a Wai. If someone greets you with a Wai, it's considered courteous to return it.
Visitors should dress neatly and conservatively in all religious shrines. They should never go sleeveless, in shorts, midriff baring tops, or other unsuitable attire. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
Every Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.
The Thais have a great respect and affection for their Royal Family. Please don't make any comments that might indicate a lack of respect for them.
Be a good sport. The Thais are a gentle, humorous people, and deal with every day problems with a smile. If your waitress forgets your coffee, she may laugh at her mistake. Sometimes westerns see this as laughing at them personally and react badly. This is not the case. Relax and be gracious. Courtesy under fire is very important to the Thais.
The Thais use a courtesy form of address: "Khun". Don't be surprised if someone calls you "Khun John", or simply "Khun". It is also very common for a Thai to use your first name at a first meeting.
It is not unusual if a Thai does not look at you while he or she is speaking with you. For a Thai, it is considered impolite to look someone in the eye when talking to them.
The head has special significance to the Thais, as do the feet. They are the highest and lowest parts of the body, respectively. It's important that you don't touch anyone on the head. Also, pointing your feet at a person or object is considered very rude. Do remove your shoes when entering a private home or the sanctuary of a temple.
When meeting you, a Thai may greet you with a gesture called a "Wai" instead of shaking hands. A Wai is made by pressing your palms together in front of your chest, as if you were praying. A younger person will always greet an older person with a Wai. If someone greets you with a Wai, it's considered courteous to return it.
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