Thailand Do and Don'Ts
carefully.DOs & DON'Ts
10 Dos
2. Do respect Thai Buddhism - although Thais are very tolerant of all religions, they are by and large Buddhist. Phrases such as "Buddhism is not a recognised religion where I come from" may be factually true, but they will not endear you to your hosts.
4. Do carry a copy of your passport with you at all times - it is a legal requirement and from time-to-time you will be asked to show it.
5. Do get an International Driver's License if you want to drive in Thailand - if you want to hire a car, you will not be able to without one.
6. Do register with your local embassy when you arrive in Thailand - although not a legal requirement, it is both a good means of staying up-to-date with the latest developments in Thailand and of meeting people.
7. Do expect Thais to speak directly. Although Thais try to avoid confrontation, they also have a habit of speaking directly. For example, if you put on weight, expect Thais to comment on it!
8. Do try some of the local cuisine. Although this may sound strange, it is now possible to exist in Thailand without having to eat Thai food and if you do not try it, you will have missed out on a very important part of Thai culture.
9. Do try and learn some of the local language (even if it is just the numbers). You'll find Thailand a much more enjoyable place if you do.
10. Do enjoy your stay - Thailand is very much what you make it!
10 Don'ts
2. Don't put your feet on anything (especially the table or a pillow). The feet are lowest part of the body and, as such, are seen as "dirty". This don't should also include don't walk in a house with your shoes on - although wearing shoes in the office is OK, entering another person's house with your shoes on is very bad manners. For this reason, most Thais visiting your house will take their shoes off before they enter - so you need a designated place outside the house where you keep shoes!
3. Don't show public displays of affection or drunkenness - Thais
10 Dos
2. Do respect Thai Buddhism - although Thais are very tolerant of all religions, they are by and large Buddhist. Phrases such as "Buddhism is not a recognised religion where I come from" may be factually true, but they will not endear you to your hosts.
4. Do carry a copy of your passport with you at all times - it is a legal requirement and from time-to-time you will be asked to show it.
5. Do get an International Driver's License if you want to drive in Thailand - if you want to hire a car, you will not be able to without one.
6. Do register with your local embassy when you arrive in Thailand - although not a legal requirement, it is both a good means of staying up-to-date with the latest developments in Thailand and of meeting people.
7. Do expect Thais to speak directly. Although Thais try to avoid confrontation, they also have a habit of speaking directly. For example, if you put on weight, expect Thais to comment on it!
8. Do try some of the local cuisine. Although this may sound strange, it is now possible to exist in Thailand without having to eat Thai food and if you do not try it, you will have missed out on a very important part of Thai culture.
9. Do try and learn some of the local language (even if it is just the numbers). You'll find Thailand a much more enjoyable place if you do.
10. Do enjoy your stay - Thailand is very much what you make it!
10 Don'ts
2. Don't put your feet on anything (especially the table or a pillow). The feet are lowest part of the body and, as such, are seen as "dirty". This don't should also include don't walk in a house with your shoes on - although wearing shoes in the office is OK, entering another person's house with your shoes on is very bad manners. For this reason, most Thais visiting your house will take their shoes off before they enter - so you need a designated place outside the house where you keep shoes!
3. Don't show public displays of affection or drunkenness - Thais