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Thailand Do's and Dont's AusWaThai ver: 20-07-11
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The Thai people are well known for their tolerance, hospitality and cheerfulness. They will ignore the small blunders of social etiquette that we make (as we do). For the average tourist it’s very difficult to go wrong. Just smile a lot, avoid confrontation, and don’t insult the religion or monarchy. Here are a few specific do’s and don’ts.
The Monarchy
Social Etiquette
Religion
Dress & Appearance
Other links: Bangkok tourism maps, Online Thai language links and more The Monarchy All members of the Royal Family are held in the highest reverence in Thailand and visitors should show similar respect. Negative remarks about the monarchy may be considered lese majeste, an offence carrying severe punishment in Thailand. Do not step on a coin or make any negative references toward the Royal Family. When the national anthem is played, at 8.00 am and 6.00 pm everyday and at public events or in cinemas, for example, you are expected to stand. The best guide is to check what other people are doing and follow suit. 6pm be ready to stand still! The National Anthem is played at 6pm in most public places and people show the upmost respect. More at W.A.T. Thai Culture A to Z back to Index Religion Do not insult the religion in any way, whether it be the majority religion, Buddhism, or any of the minority faiths. It is an offence to commit any act that may be considered insulting to a religion. For the traveler, this means proper conduct in temples or any location containing religious images. All Buddha images, large or small, are considered sacred. Don’t climb atop or pose for photos in front of images of the Buddha. Always dress neatly in temples – shorts and sleeveless shirts are considered inappropriate. Do not wear shoes inside the main chapel of a temple where the principal Buddha image is kept. It’s OK to wear shoes in the temple compound. Monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman. A woman wishing to present something to a monk or novice should first place it on a piece of cloth. This can then be retrieved by the monk. Any shrine regardless of size must be considered "protected" property Do Not say or do anything disrespectful. In a Muslim mosque, men should wear hats and women should be well-covered with slacks or a long skirt, a long-sleeved blouse buttoned to the neck, and a head-scarf. More at W.A.T. Thai Culture A to Z -
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