Taboos in Thailand: What You Need to Know About the Dos and Dont’s Before Traveling

Sometimes when we are traveling abroad, we might find ourselves unfamiliar with the local culture and not know what the proper way to behave is. Take Thailand as an example, It is famous for its delicious food, friendly people, and stunning scenery have made it one of the most popular destinations among tourists. Thailand is also known as the “Land of a Thousand Smiles.” As the name implies, the land is full of smiling locals filled with friendliness. 

It is essential to educate yourself on local customs before going somewhere. There are taboos in Thai culture that you should be aware of before traveling. Here are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

1. Do take off your shoes 

In Thailand, Feet are often considered the dirtiest part of the body. So when you enter to a place, remember to leave your shoes outside. Especially going to Buddhist temples, don’t wear your shoes into a temple, remember to take them off and leave them at the door, as you might see a pile of shoes already.

2. Do dress appropriately 

Do wear appropriate clothing when visiting Muslim mosque and temples. Don’t wear revealing clothing when visiting a temple, as it is regarded very disrespectful. You should have your shoulders, legs, and cleavage covered. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure, there are usually signs at the entrance showing examples of what appropriate and inappropriate clothing should be like. 

3. Do stand still for the national anthem and the royal anthem 

Thailand has two anthems you may hear. The national anthem is broadcast every day at 08:00 and 18:00 in public places such as parks, stations and government buildings – people stop what they are doing and stand still until it ends, and you should do the same. The royal anthem is played before films in cinemas and at events attended by members of the Royal Family; the audience stands up while it plays.

4. Don’t deface any of the Thai money

The King is held in very high regard, and Thai banknotes and coins (baht) carry the portrait of the King. Defacing baht is considered disrespectful behavior. Keep in mind that stepping on it (unless you accidentally dropped it) is also considered a form of defamation of the royal family.

5. Don’t touch Buddhist monks if you are a woman.

In Thailand, Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman. Or even accepting things from a woman directly. When a woman wants to give something to a monk, she can hand it to a man to pass on, or place it on a cloth or tray that the monk sets down to receive it.

6. Don’t touch any people’s head

It’s quite tempting when you see some adorable kids, and you just feel like petting their heads. However, heads are regarded as a sacred part of the body, and it is believed that touching heads will bring bad luck and a severe violation of personal space.

7. Do respect the King or the Royal Family

No matter whether it is verbal or written communication never upset the Thais by being disrespectful to the Royal Family. There are actually laws that can get you arrested by doing so. 

8. Do be respectful around Buddha images.

All images and sculptures of Buddha are considered sacred, while it can be seen almost everywhere, don’t deface them or disrespect them in any way.

9. Do remember to behave well when visiting a temple

Temple is not the place to run around, shout, or consider it as a kid’s playground. Therefore, speak quietly and keep calm when visiting a temple.

10. Do remember to tip

To tip or not to tip? The tipping culture is always confusing. In Thailand, though tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated. Also, the tipping culture has become more and more common recently. 

11. Do be careful when taking a taxi 

In Bangkok, insist that the driver uses the meter, or agree on the fare before the ride starts. Some drivers try to charge tourists a flat (higher) price; ride-hailing apps such as Grab or Bolt show the price up front.

12. Do use your right hand instead of your left hand 

People in Thailand often associate the right hand as a symbol of nobility. So when you shake hands or pass items, remember to use your right hand instead of the left.

13. Don’t throw your gum on the floor

Littering – including spitting out chewing gum on the street – is an offence in Thailand, and city officials in Bangkok hand out on-the-spot fines (traditionally up to a couple of thousand baht). Always have a tissue with you so you can wrap your chewing gum and put it in a bin. 

14. Don’t point with your feet 

In Thailand, pointing your feet at statues or a person or placing your feet on tables in public is considered rude. In Buddhist culture, there is a custom that feet are regarded to be the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Be respectful of this culture and avoid upsetting the Thais by placing your feet in places where it is unwanted. 

15. Don’t Step on Money in Thailand

If you drop a coin accidentally and it’s rolling away, don’t do what people usually do: stop it with your foot. Instead of doing that, bend down and pick it up with your hand. Since Thai money has the image of the King on it and as previously mentioned before, and Thais consider feet as the dirtiest part of the body. By putting your foot on money that is with the King’s image is considered incredibly disrespectful behavior.  

Exploring a different new culture is exciting, yet there are many traditions and customs that we should pay extra attention to. The dos and don’ts will save you from being awkward and avoid being disrespectful unintentionally. Keep the Dos and Don’ts in mind, and you will enjoy your time thoroughly in Thailand.