Thai Culture for Expats: The Mistakes to Avoid
Thais are famously forgiving of foreigners’ slips. A few things matter a great deal, though, and one of them is a criminal matter. Here is what to get right.
The short version
- Never criticise the royal family: it is a criminal offence with heavy prison sentences.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes at temples; treat every Buddha image as sacred.
- The head is high and the feet low: do not touch heads or point your feet.
- Keep your cool: raised voices rarely get results.
- Women should not touch monks or hand things to them directly.
Respecting the monarchy
Criticising the royal family is a criminal offence in Thailand, with prison sentences of up to 15 years per offence, and it applies to foreigners and to social media. Stand when the royal anthem plays before films, and never step on banknotes or coins, which carry the King’s image.
Temples, Buddha images and monks
- Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes
- Sit with your feet tucked away from the Buddha
- Do not climb on or pose with Buddha images
- Women should not touch monks; set items down for them to pick up
- Give monks priority seating
Head, feet, the wai and keeping your cool
Do not touch people’s heads or point your feet at people or sacred objects, and take your shoes off in homes. Return a wai when offered. Above all, stay calm: confrontation and raised voices cause loss of face and rarely get results. “Jai yen” (a cool heart) and “mai pen rai” (never mind) go a long way.
Festivals, weddings and funerals
Festivals such as Songkran and Loy Krathong are great to join. For weddings and funerals, dress appropriately (dark, modest clothes for funerals) and follow the lead of Thai guests. When unsure, ask.
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Questions newcomers ask
What should you not do in Thailand?
Do not criticise the royal family, touch people’s heads, point your feet, disrespect Buddha images or lose your temper in public.
What should I wear to a temple?
Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and shoes you can take off easily.
Should foreigners do the wai?
Return a wai when one is offered to you; as a foreigner you do not need to start one.
