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Do's and Don't in Thailand
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The Monarchy : Thai people have
a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal
Family, and a visitor should be careful
to show respect for the King, the Queen
and the Royal Children.
Religion : Visitors should dress
neatly in all religious shrines. They
should never go topless, or in shorts,
hot pants or other unsuitable attireIt
is acceptable to wear shoes when walking
around the compound of a Buddhist temple,
but not inside the chapel where the principal
Buddha image is kept. |
| Each Buddha image, large or
small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred
object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph
or do anything which might indicate a lack
of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden
to touch or be touched by a woman, or to
accept anything from the hand of one. If
a woman has to give anything to a monk,
she first hands it to a man, who then presents
it. |
Social Norms :
Thais don't normally shake hands when they
greet one another, but instead press the palms
together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai.
Generally a younger person wais an elder, who
returns it.
Thais regard the head as the highest part of
the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore,
avoid touching people on the head and try not
to point your feet at people or an object. It
is considered very rude.
Shoes should be removed when entering a private
Thai home.
Public displays of affection between men and
women are frowned upon.
Special Advice :
- Beware of unauthorised people who offer their
services as guides. For all tourist information,
contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel
: 1672. For information about Bangkok, contact
the Bangkok Metropolitan Tourist Bureau, Tel
: 0 2225 7612-4.
- Observe all normal precautions as regards
to personal safety, as well as the safety fof
your belongings. Walking alone on quiet streets
or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure
that all your valuables-money, jewellery, and
airline tickets are properly protected from
loss. Visitors needing assistance relating to
safety, unethical practices, or other matters,
please call the Tourist Police at Tel: 1155.
- Drop your garbage into a waste container.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration id no
strictly enforcing the law in an effort to keep
the city clean and healthy. The fine will be
imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette
stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas.
- Do not get yourself involved with drugs.
Penalties for drug offences are very severe
in Thailand.
- Do not support any manner of wild animal
abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs
made from wild animals including reptiles like
snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell
and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants
that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against
the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.
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