Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Thai culture evolves largely around Buddhism and respect for seniority, whether in terms of age, status or wealth. However, monks receive absolute deference and it is common to see healthy young monks sitting on buses while elderly passengers stand.

On many fundamental levels, Thai culture differs greatly from that of Europe. Travel within Europe or the Americas will not prepare you for all these differences. Certain cultural differences are so important that, while they will be discussed in any good guidebook, they bear emphasis.

Smile. The Thais smile for all occasions. To say hello or thank you, to apologize, to make a request, to smooth over bad feelings. And even because they're happy.

Show respect for the king. This isn't just a guideline. It's the law. Rise when the national anthem is played (typically at 8am and 6pm in many public places, and before public events.) Never insult or joke about the king or royal family. As you learn more about the present king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, you'll readily respect him. In more than a half-century on the throne, unlike so many other rulers, he has been a powerful and positive force toward improving the quality of life for the Thai people.

Dress modestly. Thais now understand that Europeans may show up in shorts and tank tops in public, but would never do so themselves. Wearing long pants, and clean, neat clothes, will gain you an extra measure of respect.

Remove your shoes when entering a home or temple, or any place where you see other shoes left at the entrance.

Social relationships are defined as one person being superior to the other.

  Thai Culture - Hierarchy

You'll have a better vacation if you understand some fundamentals about Thai culture.

  Thai Etiquette    Thai Culture - Social    Things You Must Not Do While in Thailand

  A few additional things to watch out for

  A few recommended things to try while in Thailand

Show respect for religion, for the Buddha, and for monks. Don't wear shorts or tank tops to a temple. It's considered improper for women to touch a monk. Don't arrange a comical pose of yourself with a Buddha. Tourists have been arrested for such offences.

Don't wai unless you know what you're doing. The wai (the slight bow with fingertips touching in front of one's face or chest) is a greeting, and a way of showing respect or thanks. But it's more complicated than that. If you return a wai to someone of much lower social status for example, you may feel you're striking a blow for equality. Actually you're just embarrassing the person. Unless you've got an audience with the king, a westerner can just smile instead of doing a wai.

  How to Wai by Breakaway

Do not touch anyone on the head. This is a spot which is considered sacred.

Do not step over anyone instead walk around them.

Do not point your feet at anyone. (It's easy to do so unthinkingly when you sit cross-legged in a chair, or sit on the floor) Feet, located at the opposite end of the body from the head, have an opposite status. Don't use your feet for anything except walking, and keep those feet off the furniture.

Don't be too tall. That can be difficult for a westerner! But height is associated with superiority. In a setting such as a temple, standing tall suggests that you fancy yourself superior to the monks and others who are kneeling. Be as unobtrusive as possible. Bending over a bit, as you walk in or out, will help maintain suitable appearances. If you enter a temple where others are seated, you should also sit down, and remember to point those feet back, nor forward.

Travel is about new experiences. If you're headed to Thailand, you probably already know and believe that.

Thailand displays some very distinct and refined culture, developed over the centuries from early Lanna flourishing through to the golden ages of Sukothai and Ayutthaya and beyond. This includes, costume, dance, music, social graces, architecture, religious art, wood carving and sculpture.

The Lanna Kingdom can be regarded as the cradle of some Thai culture, seeing as it came into being and flourished long before the greater kingdoms that followed. Under the patronage of King Mengrai in the 14th century, Lanna art blossomed as influences from the existing Mon culture were blended with artisans imported from Shan states [Burma]. Later, the influence of monks returning from Sri Lanka, as well as the neighbouring Angkor and Lan Xang kingdoms added to the style.

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