Imagine you are in Thailand for the very first time, and you can barely contain your excitement. The friendly Thai people, the breathtaking temples, the irresistible food, and the picturesque landscape all await your discovery. But as you explore, you realize one very important thing: the cultural differences.
Before you go to Thailand, you want to make sure that you respect the culture and you know the things not to do in Thailand. If you are travelling from a western country, you should understand that the way of life in an eastern country is very different from your home country.
To help you get on the right track, we have compiled a list of do and don’t in Thailand.
Here’s what not to do in Thailand
1. Do not point with your feet or your finger
Using body and hand gestures to communicate is common practice in many Western cultures, but as in many parts of Asia, it is a great example of what not to do in Thailand.
To show respect and culture when visiting Thailand, it is highly advised you form a habit of keeping your feet, and fingers, to yourself. That means do not point your finger or toes at people, things, or places.
In Thai culture, the head is considered the holiest part of the body, while the feet are the dirtiest part. This is why patting someone on the head or placing your feet on a table would likely upset the Thais around you.
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2. Do not make physical contact with monks
Buddhism plays a large role in Thai culture, and, as such, monks are among the most respected figures in Thailand. They follow a standard of living that must be respected by both locals and foreigners, which includes making physical contact with other people. Because monks are not allowed to touch women, it is better to maintain a polite distance if you are a female.
Although most people are aware that touching monks is one of the things not to do in Thailand, did you also know that you cannot place yourself in a higher position than a monk?
If you are standing up while a monk is sitting, you are putting yourself in a higher position than them. In this situation, you should get into a lower position than the monk. In other words: take a seat. If you are a woman, you better take a seat far from where the monk is sitting.
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3. Do not display romantic affection in public
If you are travelling with your romantic partner, one of the things to know before visiting Thailand is the difference between western and eastern culture regarding public affection.
While holding hands and kissing in public is normal in the Americas or Europe, Asian countries like Thailand are not as open with their affection. This is not because they are emotionless or non-caring for their lover. It is because eastern culture saves those romantic displays for home where it is more intimate and less on display.
During your travels in Thailand, you can show respect to the locals by doing the same and keeping your romantic affection private.
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4. Do not wear inappropriate clothing inside temples
Some of the world’s most beautiful temples exist inside Thailand. They are what draw many travellers to the “land of smiles”, but often travellers will not realize there is a certain code of dress when visiting them.
Temples are sacred areas that call for an increased level of respect, meaning you should not wear revealing clothes such as tank tops, skirts, and shorts.
Some temples may have signs reminding travellers who are unfamiliar with the code, but many won’t. One of the things not to do in Thailand is dressing inappropriately inside temples. Better be safe than sorry and wear long-sleeve shirts and pants before entering the sacred temple.
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5. Do not eat raw food
Thai cuisine is delicious. I think we can all agree on this. But a few Thai dishes contain raw food that may leave you ill, or worse, with food-poisoning if consumed.
Two well-known raw dishes are Luu Moo and Larb Leuat Neua. Both are considered Thai delicacies, but they are not without health risk.
Luu Moo is a dish made of uncooked blood mixed with spices, then poured onto a bed of rice noodles. While it may be a delicacy for Thai people, consuming raw blood is a serious health risk.
Larb Leuat Neua is a dish also made of raw beef mixed with a large helping of raw blood. Raw beef may contain bacteria that would impose serious problems on the untrained stomach, and uncooked blood can carry diseases that could seriously threaten your health if consumed.
Better to skip these dishes and try the countless other wonderful Thai dishes that are properly cooked.
READ MORE: Thailand food – Exploring the flavoursome tastes of Thai cuisine
Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in Asia, and I hope you get a chance once in your life to experience it.
Before you go, you should understand the cultural differences between a western way of living versus an eastern way of living. If you can follow the rules, then you should be ready for the time of your life.
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everything you need to know when planning your trip to Thailand
so you can make the most of your time in the Land of Smiles!
