Some hints about Thai manners to ensure travellers do not offend Thai people when travelling in Thailand.

When greeting people, Thai people join both hands palms together and raise them towards their forehead. Females say, 'Sawardee Kha' and males say, 'Sawardee Krap'. The greeting is called 'wai' (say why) and is an important sign of respect. Thais are delighted when visitors show this courtesy.

When visiting a wat, it is important to show respect. Visitors should be decently dressed and should ask permission to enter if ceremonies are in progress. People remove their shoes before entering a temple. It is permissible to take a photo of a Buddha image, but not to have your photo taken with a Buddha.

It is considered to be very impolite to face the soles of the feet towards anyone. It is especially disrespectful if this is done in a temple, sitting so that the soles of the feet face a Buddha image.

Never touch people on the head. In Thailand, it is believed that a person's head is the home of the person's spirit, which looks after their health.

The Thai people revere their Royal Family, and people who make disrespectful comments about them cause great offence. Always stand for the National Anthem.

People bow their heads to a senior person, such as a monk or an older person, and never stand over a seated senior person.

Wearing shorts and brief tops is considered rude.

Acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
Thailand (2000). [Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au

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Updated April 2001