Dos and Don'ts in Thailand
A quick guide to Thai etiquette — respect the culture and locals will welcome you everywhere.
Do these
Do: Respect the Royal Family, the country and its people
Honour the King, the flag and Thai customs — you are a guest here, and respect is returned with warmth.
Do: Practice a 'mai pen rai' attitude
Stay calm, smile, and let go of minor frustrations — keeping your temper in check is valued in Thai culture.
Do: Use your right hand
Give and receive items with your right hand, and eat with your right hand — it is the polite custom in Thailand.
Do: Return the wai
Thais greet with a slight bow and hands together (wai). Return it with a smile — a small gesture earns big goodwill.
Do: Dress politely at temples
Cover shoulders and knees, and remove your hat before entering a temple building.
Do: Take off your shoes
Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, and many shops and guesthouses — look for shoes at the door.
Do: Keep Thailand clean
Bin your rubbish. Littering can bring fines, and beaches/parks are strictly protected.
Do: Watch for red flags at the beach
Always look for red flags at the beaches. If red flags are flying, stay out of the water — they are there for a reason!
Do: Always wear a crash helmet on a scooter
If you ride a scooter, always wear a proper crash helmet and always follow the traffic signs — it is the law, and police issue on-the-spot fines.
Do: Stay hydrated
Drink bottled or filtered water and carry sunscreen — the heat and sun catch many visitors off guard.
Avoid these
Don't: Never disrespect the monarchy
Lèse-majesté laws are strict and enforced. Never joke about or insult the royal family — it's a serious criminal offence.
Don't: Don't step on money
Avoid stepping on Thai baht banknotes or coins — they feature the King's image, and doing so is highly disrespectful.
Don't: Don't go shirtless into shops
Going shirtless (or in swimwear) into convenience stores isn't polite — put on a shirt before you step inside.
Don't: Don't touch anyone's head
The head is sacred in Thai culture. Never pat someone (including children) on the head.
Don't: Don't point with your feet
Feet are the lowest part of the body. Never point them at people or Buddha images, and never step over someone.
Don't: Don't misuse Buddha images
Buddha statues are sacred — no posing disrespectfully, and taking large images out of the country without permission is illegal.
Don't: Don't raise your voice
Losing your temper (even when frustrated) causes loss of face for everyone. Stay calm and smile — it gets better results.
Don't: Women: don't touch monks
Women must never touch a monk or hand things directly to him — place the item down instead.