Touching someone's head or entering a home without taking off your shoes... So many harmless acts that can offend Thai people and go against their traditions.
If the locals know how to be tolerant and welcoming towards foreign visitors, be careful not to make any mistakes!
Our guide to good behavior to follow during your stay in Bangkok, on the paradisiacal beaches of Phuket or in the mountains of Chiang Mai.
In the street, everyday
Shaking hands or kissing
is not customary in Thailand.
To greet each other, we use the
wai
, a gesture consisting of joining the palms of the hands with the right fingers (as in a prayer) while saying "
sawasdee
" ("hello").
Of course, as a foreigner, you will be forgiven if you don't greet
wai
.
In response, a simple smile or nod may suffice.
Every day, at 8 a.m. and then at 6 p.m., the national
anthem
resounds in public places and is broadcast on radio and television.
If you hear it, it is customary to interrupt your occupations, stop walking and stand for the duration of the hymn (about one minute).
The Thais revere the
king and the royal family
, it is advisable to respect this belief and to avoid approaching the subjects related to the policy of the kingdom.
Classic cigarettes are only permitted in the areas provided for this purpose, including on the beaches in order to protect the marine environment.
Since 2014, the use and possession of an
electronic cigarette
has been prohibited by law, which makes Thailand one of the strictest countries in this area.
Read the fileThailand: the
Figaro travel guide
In the temples
A man pours water on a Buddha statue during Thai New Year (Songkran) festivities at the Buddhist temple Wat Mahabut in Bangkok, April 13, 2022. Jack TAYLOR / AFP
If there is a place where you have to take off your shoes, it is a Buddhist temple.
This usage also applies in other public places.
If you see a pile of shoes at the entrance, you know what you have to do.
As in most religious buildings, take off your hat and sunglasses as a sign of respect.
Decent dress is required to visit temples and royal sites.
Men and women, choose
clothes covering the shoulders and knees
.
Finally, the statues of the Buddha being sacred, avoid touching them, pointing at them or turning your back on them.
Read alsoGood behavior to adopt when you are a tourist in South Korea
Homestay
Many festivals and religious ceremonies punctuate the year, such as the Lantern Festival (Loi Kratong) which is usually held in November.
MLADEN ANTONOV / AFP
When talking to a seated person, it is advisable to bow forward as a sign of politeness.
For the Thais,
the head is considered the most sacred part of the body
.
Avoid touching it, including that of a child.
Conversely, the feet are seen as the lowest part of the body.
Pointing at someone with their feet or putting them on a table, cushion or headrest is a mark of disrespect.
As in most public places, remember to
remove your shoes
when entering a Thai person's home.
Read alsoIn Thailand, water fights allowed again
In public transports
In buses, trains or boats,
leaving your seat to a monk
is a sign of respect.
Women should avoid eye contact or physical contact with a monk, while men should do the same with nuns.
At the restaurant
Unlike most Asian countries, chopsticks are rarely used at the table, with the use of forks and spoons being the norm.
The knife is not very widespread, the food being sliced beforehand.
Use a spoon to drink soup rather than drinking it straight from the bowl.
Covid-19: relaxed entry conditions
Since May 1, 2022, vaccinated travelers are no longer required to carry out a test, neither before departure nor on arrival.
It is still mandatory to complete the Thailand Pass and to have an insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 10,000 dollars.
More information in our article.
