The Monarchy : Thai
people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and
a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen
and the Royal Children.
Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines.
They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other
unsuitable attire. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking
around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the
chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a
sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do
anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks
are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept
anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to
a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.
Social Norms :
Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but
instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a
"wai". Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.
Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally
and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and
try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is
considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a
private Thai home.
Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned
upon.
Special Advice :
- Beware of unauthorized people who offer their services as
guides. For all tourist information, contact the Tourism Authority
of Thailand, Tel : 1672. For information about Bangkok, contact
the Bangkok Metropolitan Tourist Bureau, Tel : 0 2225 7612-4.
- Observe all normal precautions as regards to personal safety, as
well as the safety fof your belongings. Walking alone on quiet
streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all
your valuables-money, jewelry, and airline tickets are properly
protected from loss. Visitors needing assistance relating to
safety, unethical practices, or other matters, please call the
Tourist Police at Tel: 1155.
- Drop your garbage into a waste container. The Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration id no strictly enforcing the law in an
effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The fine will be
imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs, or drops
rubbish in public areas.
- Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug
offences are very severe in Thailand.
- Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase
any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles
like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory. Avoid
patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies. It
is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.
