Thai savoir-vivre

06 May 2010

The cultural differences between Europeans and the inhabitants of South-East Asia can be tremendous. While a smile, kindliness and tolerance are international codes of good manners, it’s a good idea to learn the specific rules in a given country to avoid hurting people unconsciously.

Thailand | A smiling inhabitant of Bangkok (by Grzegorz Łaski )

The Royal Family

The Thai people treat the members of the Royal Family in a special way, always talking about them with respect, and this also applies to all their depictions (photos, portraits, images on banknotes) and every tourist should remember to respect this attitude. Anything offensive to the King or the Royal Family is considered a crime.

Thailand | Festive celebration of the King’s birthday in Bangkok (by Grzegorz Łaski )

Religion

Thailand is a very religious nation, which also has its impact on the principles of everyday life. Although access to many Thai temples is completely unrestricted, it’s worth remembering about the appropriate, decent clothes (long trousers, covered shoulders or perhaps, alternatively, a modest dress) and to obligatorily take off your shoes before entering a sanctuary. Also, every depiction of The Buddha is considered to be sacred. When posing for a photo with a statue of the Enlightened One please refrain from any jokes or inappropriate behaviour.

Thailand | Sukhotai – a detail of a Buddha statue (by Grzegorz Łaski )

Smile

In the case of any argument or conflict you should remember that Thais are a very gentle people, and they are also able to stay calm. Vivid gesticulations, raising your voice or other signs of anger will not be well received. Too open a display of being nervous will be interpreted as weakness of character and pointless quick temper. It’s a good idea then to approach any conflicts in a relaxed way and take advantage of the infallible solution used by the Thais in every situation – a smile.

Thailand | Thai children love to laugh (by Grzegorz Łaski )

Parts of the body

The head is considered by the Thais to be the most important and sacred part of the body, while feet are in turn the lowest, even the impurest. You should remember this in everyday contact with the Thais, for example, avoid touching their heads (including those of small children) and pointing at someone with a foot (e.g. when crossing your legs when you are sitting). Also, directing your foot towards a statue of The Buddha is interpreted as lack of respect and offensive. When entering a Thai house, as is the case with Thai temples, you should take off your shoes.

Greetings

Different forms of greeting exist in Thailand. Some Thai people may be modern and warmly shake your hand the “European way”. There is also a traditional greeting called wai – a slight bow with hands on your chest. However, its use is regulated by strict social rules: if your hands are too low they may offend and if they so high that you can touch your forehead – they mean a huge respect (usually shown to important personages). Don’t be surprised then if your wai causes amusement or surprise. If you don’t feel self-confident enough when greeting someone, just gently nod your head and of course … smile. The Thai people will certainly appreciate your attempts to learn their language. It’s a good idea therefore to make an effort to learn a few phrases.

Thailand | Wai – a traditional Thai greeting (by 12392252@N03 )

During a meal

Thais pay scrupulous attention to the appearance of food, so don’t be surprised if even the simplest, most modest meals are elaborately decorated and if there are true works of art made from fruit. Remember that in Thailand a fork is used only to put food on a spoon. Eating directly with a fork might be considered impolite. Some dishes are served on a large, common plate. It’s more polite to help yourself with small portions several times rather then fill your plate at once.

Tidiness

Being tidy in the streets, resorts and national parks is an obvious thing in every corner of the globe. Happy-go-lucky people might want to know that the penalty for littering the streets of Bangkok is about USD 60.

Source: http://www.bangkok.polemb.net/index.php?document=43