“Chang, Chang, Chang,” we all sing, our shoulders tucked into our noses and our one arm hanging to depict an elephant trunk.
It’s nighttime, and Jack and Chai have called us up to the conference room to teach us about Thai culture and the Thai language.
The first thing that sticks in my head? Elephant in Thai is “Chang.” Just like the beer I have grown to love with the white elephant against the forest green background.
But, there’s more we learn. Much more.
Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist culture, therefore it differs greatly from what most Westerners are used to.
Going up those stairs? Take your shoes off.
What’s it called when you put your hands together in front of your face? And, what does it mean?
The Wai is this prayer-like gesture you see everywhere in Thailand, accompanied by a bow of the head. It is done as a sign of respect to royalty, monks, elders, family, employers and those socially equal or greater than the person who is doing the Wai-ing. But, it’s more complicated than that. There are a few variations of the Wai based on the level of respect to show a person. Jack explains there are four levels of the Wai — thumbs at the bridge of the nose for royalty and monks; thumbs at the tip of the nose for respected elders; the most common, thumbs at the chin for an employer or person of greater social status; and thumbs at chest level for friends and those on the same social level. However, should someone Wai you, the response is the last variation — chest level. The Wai is used to say in greeting, departure and as a “thank you.” Get all of that?
Don’t use your feet to point. Seriously.
In Thai culture, feet are considered dirty and pointing with your feet is disrespectful.
I was standing with Chai after we had our Thai culture class and was horrified when, in coversation, there was something on the ground, and I pointed at it with my foot (which was in a shoe). The lesson from the night before replayed in my mind, and I ducked my head in embarassment, offering a quiet apology for my faux paux.
If you’re in a Buddhist temple/sitting in front of a statute or with Buddhist monks, sit in the mermaid position with your feet pointing away from them.
This goes back to the belief that the feet are the dirtiest part of the body. Sit with your knees tucked to your side and the soles of your feet pointing away from the statue or monk. When I was being blessed by the shaman and was sitting in a permanent Wai during my time, the mermaid position became very uncomfortable. If you can lean your weight on your arms a bit, it shouldn’t be as bad. But, keep this in mind should you want to be blessed during a longer ceremony.
Don't wear your bathing suit in the water.
Keep your clothes on …
The first time we went to bathe elephants, Jack asked us to please respect Thai culture, which is to not show skin. So, for the week, we bathed elephants wearing clothing.
I was shocked when I got a massage one evening and an older couple came up to the room to receive massages, too. The recipients of the massages were all laying on mats, fully-clothed. The woman took off her pants as she sat down, showing her underwear to the entire woman. The woman from the nearby village who were giving us our massages giggled nervously when she laid down, ready for her treatment. It got even worse when the man took off his shirt, explaining it was too constrictive for him and “this” was better.
It was all I could do not to pop up from my relaxed state and throw their clothing back at them and explain to them they needed to keep their clothing on.
But take your shoes off.
Feet are dirty (so be sure to keep them clean), but shoes are even dirtier. Remove them when going into homes, schools, small shops and more. A general rule of thumb? If you are about to enter somewhere and there are shoes outside of the door, follow the leader and take yours off, too.
Don’t get too into touching.
Kissing and hugging aren’t the norm in Thailand. You will see people holding hands — couples, friends of the same and opposite sex — just don’t get too touchy. It can make people uncomfortable. Also, never touch a Thai person’s head. And, if you are a woman, do not touch a monk. Ever.
Be polite.
This is a good rule to follow, regardless of where you are. Always put your best foot forward and be a glowing representative of your country. Thai people are charmingly polite and seem to always have a smile on their face.
What other Thai culture tips can you provide? Have you ever accidentally done one of these things? Share your stories!
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22 Comments on "Cultural Tips for Thailand"
Getting angry in public is simply not done in Thailand – visitors will lose face if they get angry. As in most cultures, you have much more success with politeness and a smile, but this is especially true in Thailand. Thailand is a lovely country with lovely people. You’ve given really good advice. I think it is very important to try to adapt and fit in to another country’s culture. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing the tip!! I appreciate you taking the time to comment! I hope these are helpful!
Good tips babe. Another thing I can add is to try not to raise your voice in anger or get mad over situations as Thai in general like to save face and if you’re acting a fool you’ll get nowhere and just embarrass them. Always act with kindness and you’ll get kindness in return-although this should be the case when traveling everywhere!
Great tip!!
Very interesting article. I am planning a trip to Malaysia & Thailand so this will be taken to heart. Thank you for posting.
I’m glad it will be useful for you! Enjoy your trip!
Aww, I miss Thailand so much!! Great tips. They are all very useful. The trick is to remember them when you need to.
I know I messed up the Wai, but other than that, and the one time I pointed at something with my foot, I did a pretty good job. Thanks, Pam!
Ooh I had no clue about these. Thank you so much for the heads up. I saw a movie recently where a woman was in the mermaid position and I was wondering about it – so different than Japan.
Of course! I am glad I had the 101, it really helped!
I still dream of touching an elephant some day. Thank you for sharing these tips with us.
Of course!!
Great tips! A must read for anyone heading to Thailand (or anywhere in that region)
Thank you, Jade!!
Great post! People should bookmark it as a refresher before visiting Thailand. I can’t believe that couple stripped down. Thai massage, with all the stretching and moving, needs clothing!!
Thank you! I was shocked that the couple took off their clothing! It wasn’t even private, which is so against what we’re used to!
Wish everyone read these sorts of tips so they don’t offend people. Too many just take the attitude of “well its my holiday so I will do whatever I want!”
I couldn’t believe that one couple taking off their clothing!! It was embarrassing! I wish people would take the time before they go somewhere, or at least once they get there and before they do anything, to learn about culture. It is so important that we respect other cultures, especially when we are living in their world and not ours.
Treat notes with respect as they carry the head of the king. Do not talk disrespectfully about the king and stand when everyone else does for the anthem. Lese-majeste is a major thing in Thailand.
Great additions to the tips!!
These are amazing tips, all of which I heard on while visiting. It’s important to pay attention to the little differences in other cultures.
It is so important to pay attention!! I’d hate to be that couple who disrobed!!