Cultural Customs in Thailand

The exuberance of some holiday destinations in Thailand can cause a few travellers to overlook the reality that modesty in dress and personal behaviour is looked upon favourably in Thailand . Adult nudity on the beach, at the hotel pool or mountain waterfall and women going topless is unacceptable to Thai people.

Although attitudes are more relaxed on Samui, when visiting Thai Temples men and women are expected to dress modestly. Shorts for women and men are not acceptable and women should avoid sleeveless dresses and exposed mid-drift - sarongs are excellent to cover legs and upper body and easy to carry. Remove shoes/sandals at the door of temples and when you enter houses.

The customary form of greeting and farewell in Thailand is the Wai - the lifting of the hands and lower arms with palms together, up to the lower area of the face, accompanied by a slight incline of the head, lowering the eyes and of course a smile. If you are not familiar with this practice it may be better not to use it - but respond if someone Wai's to you.

In traditional Thai culture being softly spoken and calm in conversation and day to day interactions is appreciated. Westerners have a reputation for easily losing their cool - definitely not cool from a Thai point of view. So stay calm when faced with frustrations, it will get you quicker and closer to your goal.

Never express any disrespect for the King of Thailand and the Royal family and never touch Monks.