Cultural Etiquette in Thailand: The Do’s and Don’ts in Thailand & Some Must-Knows
- Fletch
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
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Everything first-time visitors need to understand Thai culture with confidence. Cultural Customs and Manners in Thailand
The Do’s and Dont’s for your Thailand Holiday. This is your practical list of 12 cultural "do’s" in Thailand to help travellers show respect and blend in smoothly:
The Do’s in Thailand
Do greet with a “wai” (the Thai bow): Place your hands together in a prayer position and move them toward your chin, then bow your head slightly forward as a respectful greeting—especially to elders or officials. This Thai bow is used to greet, to say goodbye and as of a way of saying thank you. Thai people love when you make this gesture! Only the king and monks are exempt from the obligation of greeting back with a wai. Wais are best done empty-handed.
Do remove your shoes before entering homes and temples: Always check—if there are shoes outside, yours should join them. As is the case in many Asian countries, it is considered proper to take off your shoes before entering a temple. The same goes for people’s homes.
Do dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites: Cover your shoulders, chest, and knees. Avoid tight or revealing clothing.
Do respect the Royal Family: It’s a serious offence to criticise or mock the Thai monarchy—be mindful in conversations and public spaces. Whilst sitting waiting for the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, there was a public announcement in Thai, followed by royal music and the whole train station came to a stand still and everybody stood up whilst ceremonial music played. We didn't know what was happening but after a few seconds we stood up and joined everybody. Thai people really respected this and many nodded in appreciation. And so by respecting the local cultures, you will gain the respect of your fellow man/woman. Even if at the time we didn't know what we were standing up for - other than the respect that this meant something to someone else, whose country we were in.
Do use your right hand to give or receive items: The left hand is considered less clean; using your right hand (or both hands) shows respect. Use your right hand! When paying or handing anything over. The left hand is seen as impure because it gets used in the toilet in the absence of toilet paper.
Do smile often—it's part of the culture: Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thais appreciate friendliness and calm interactions. Smiling is something that’s deeply embedded in Thai culture. Always smile back. Also smile when negotiating, apologising and even if you disagree with someone.
Do eat with a spoon: Chopsticks are mainly used for Chinese dishes, noodles, and spring rolls. And when it comes to cutlery in Thailand, it’s customary to eat with a spoon in your right hand and a fork in your left. Use the fork to scoop the food onto the spoon; the fork never enters the mouth.
Do be polite and keep your voice down: Loud or aggressive behaviour is frowned upon and considered rude.
Do show respect for Buddha images: Treat all images of the Buddha with reverence—no climbing or posing inappropriately.
Do respect the monks: When traveling through Thailand you’ll come across lots of orange clad monks. Monks are greeted with a deeper wai than others. Also, they’re not obliged to greet back. All through Thailand, there are special areas for monks; in buses and trains, for instance. Women aren’t allowed to touch monks, sit or stand right next to them, or give them anything, as this might arouse lustful feelings in them; something which is strictly forbidden.
Do be patient and flexible: Things may not always run on schedule—maintain a relaxed, respectful attitude.
Do learn a few Thai phrases: Even simple words like “hello” (Sawasdee ka/krap) and “thank you” (Khop khun ka/krap) go a long way.
And the Don'ts in Thailand - to help you avoid common faux pas and show respect for local customs:
❌ 10 Don’ts When Visiting Thailand
Don’t touch anyone’s head — even children: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body (the highest) in Thai culture.
Don’t point with your feet or touch things with them: Feet are seen as the lowest and “dirtiest” part of the body—never rest them on tables or point them at people, religious objects, or images of the King.
Don’t raise your voice or lose your temper in public: Maintaining “face” and calmness is very important—getting angry is seen as losing control.
Don’t touch monks if you’re a woman: Women should not hand anything directly to monks or sit too close to them on public transport.
5. Don’t kiss or cuddle in public: Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in rural or religious areas.
6. Don’t wear shoes indoors where it’s clearly not allowed: Especially in temples, homes, some restaurants, and massage shops—look for signs or follow what others are doing.
7. Don’t disrespect Buddha images or use them decoratively: It’s illegal to export Buddha statues and offensive to use them as decor or tattoos.
8. Don’t be overly critical of Thai customs or the monarchy: Thailand has one of the oldest monarchies in the world and it’s greatly loved by its people. Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws; criticism can lead to arrest. The maximum sentence for insulting the king in Thailand is life imprisonment.
9. Don’t bargain aggressively in markets: Haggling is expected, but keep it friendly and respectful.
10. Don’t assume everyone speaks English: Many do, especially in tourist areas, but learning a few Thai words shows respect and effort.
I hope this blog on the dos & don'ts in Thailand really helps you for your next trip. If in doubt, always check the Thai Embassy here for all up to date information. And remember, the Thai people are lovely people and as long as you show willing and try to embrace the etiquette and customs, they are accommodating and appreciative of the effort and willingness to learn. So jump on in and embrace the Thai ways for the most memorable holiday yet.
Coming up next: More on our Thailand adventure and how to experience this country on a budget (even with kids!).
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