Traditional Customs and Celebrations

Thai customs are deeply influenced by religion and are an important and integral part of Thai lives. They vary from region to region and you are likely to come across several whilst visiting. There are huge cultural differences between Western countries and Thailand, which may seem strange to us, but are very enjoyable to experience. However the unknown can result in confusion when communicating with Thai people, therefore it's a good idea to have an awareness of a few important customs before visiting.

Thai Royal Family

Absolute reverence is practiced in respect of the Thai Royal Family and Buddha. You will see images of the Royal Family and Buddha everywhere.

It is important to remember that strict laws apply in Thailand with regards to the Thai Royal Family, in which it is illegal to disrespect them, or images of them, in any way, and is punishable by imprisonment, therefore you should treat all images of the Thai Royal Family with respect.

Buddha

Images of Buddha should also be treated with extreme respect. Do not touch or deface any image or statue of a Buddha or a monk, as this is highly disrespectful, as is pointing the soles of your feet in their direction.

Many Thais will worship Buddha images, don amulets or hang amulets in their cars for protection and luck. Most buildings have an altar (or spirit house) where people will make offerings of food to appease the spirits; due to the Thai's highly superstitious nature such displays should not be touched out of fear of disrupting the harmonious balance.

Mai Pen Rai

You should definitely embrace this aspect of Thai culture - the saying Mai pen rai translates as "it's alright/never mind/no problem". This attitude will help you enjoy your time in Thailand even more, as being relaxed and not getting angry is integral in Thai culture; the Thai people have a very laid-back, relaxed attitude towards everything, with no urgency, so go with the flow and enjoy being so relaxed! This mindset compliments the Thai sense of light-heartedness, with nothing being taken too seriously and everything should contain and element of fun (sanuk).

Sexual Tolerance

Thailand is well-known for its sexual tolerance, which has been helped due to the country's non-confrontational attitude. Therefore, it is a very safe place to visit for all people, regardless of your sexual orientation.

Thai Food Culture

In general, the most senior person in the social class will pay the bill at a meal in a restaurant. Therefore, if you have invited a Thai out for a meal, or have just joined them for a meal in a restaurant, then you will be expected to pay the bill as you will be seen at the senior person as the foreigner. This also applies to dating a Thai lady, she will expect you to pay it is traditional for the man to pay in Thailand. Do not take offence at this, it is a sign of respect and part of the Thai culture.

Most meals are served in the middle of the table buffet style for people to help themselves. If you are dining with Thai's it is not impolite to start eating your food as soon as you are served, however wait to be asked to take a second helping, never take the last of the food from a serving bowl and do not lick your fingers. When you are finished leave a little food on your plate to show that you are full, otherwise it will be taken as an indication that you are still hungry (however be careful not to leave rice on your plate as this is considered wasteful).

Thai Business Culture

Although business in Thailand is becoming more westernized, Thai customs and traditions still remain. Personal relationships are often required before business can be discussed, therefore initial meetings will usually occur over lunch, drinks or entertainment as enjoyment is valued by Thai people. Decisions will often take a long time to be made as issues are discussed repeatedly and the laid-back nature of the country. However, it is important that you arrive on time for any meetings as it will be expected and it will show respect. Appointments should be made well in advance and re-confirmed close to the meeting date. If offering a business card ensure you offer it with your right hand, and when receiving it is polite to carefully look at the card and make a polite comment.

Thai's do judge on appearances so it is important to dress conservatively in smart business dress, men with dark colored suits and women in smart suits or dresses.

Respect and politeness should always be conveyed, which is important to remember not only in verbal communication, but also in your body language. Laughter is a good tool to minimize errors or embarrassment as Thai people laugh easily, however can convey embarrassment if a Thai person starts laughing for no apparent reason, so changing the subject would be advised. Courtesy is very important, therefore you should avoid insulting or angering a Thai person, and they will take an open criticism or negative response as an insult, and therefore think disrespectfully of you, therefore it is best to indirectly give a negative response. To create positive feelings and build and maintain good relationships speak softly, smile warmly, and always be polite and respectful.

Names

Do not be offended by a Thai person you have just met calling you by your first name, generally people are only addressed by their first names in Thailand and reserve surnames for very formal occasions or and written documentations; however, they may precede your name in a more formal environment by Khun (whether you are male or female), which is an honorific title. Nicknames are often used by Thai people in informal settings, which will be of one syllable.

Toilets

If you are travelling outside of a large city then you should expect to find 'basic' facilities. Most plumbing outside of cities is not designed to handle paper, so should be discarded in the bin provided. Do not be surprised if toilets consist of a hole in the floor, or a 'squat' toilet, which needs to be flushed by pouring water from a bucket into the hole.

Colors

Colors in Thailand are associated with days on the week (based on Hindu mythology), which is based on the color of the God who protects the day, and Thai people will often wear clothes corresponding to the color of the day. Not only are these colors on certain days considered lucky, but there are also certain colors on certain days that are considered unlucky! The days colors are:

• Sunday - Red - Unlucky Color Blue
• Monday - Yellow/Cream - Unlucky Color Red
  
• Tuesda - Pink - Unlucky Color Yellow/White
• Wednesday - Green - Unlucky Color Pink
  
• Thursday - Orange/Brown - Unlucky Color Purple
• Friday - Light Blue - Unlucky Color Dark Blue
  
• Saturday - Purple/Black - Unlucky Color Green

Modesty

In very touristy areas such as Pattaya or Bangkok, foreigners are accepted as they are (within reason), such as men walking around topless and open displays of affections, however in other areas that are not so exposed to tourism such things are not advisable, even holding hands. Thai culture should be respected when visiting 'non-touristy' areas, and both men and women should dress modestly and behave respectfully.

When visiting temples and shrines it is sensible to cover up - entrance may be denied to those wearing sleeveless tops or short skirts or shorts. Women may be prohibiting from entering highly sacred places altogether.

As a foreign woman, even in tourist areas, you should dress reasonably modestly if you wish to be perceived in a good light, as western films have done nothing to improve the image of a western woman. For instance, not wearing a bar underneath your top, a very low cut top or a very short skirt/shorts, may receive a few looks of judgement. This rule does not apply to Thai women, who are able to dress like this without being frowned upon.