We are having a blast here in Thailand. There is a new important things that we have learned about the culture here and I thought I would share with you. My teamates have been gracious enough to help demonstrate.
When greeting people it is proper to do a bow and say “Wai” (pronounced why).
The lower you bow the more respect that you show.
Shaking hands when meeting people is appropriate.
Hugging is not usually excepted. Probably because it is freak’n hot here and people don’t want to be touched.
Don’t wear toes in the house. Shoes are not typically worn in homes or sometimes in stores.
Do check for signs or shoes at the door to see if you should take your shoes off before entering.
Don’t hold hands with your significant other. This is not typically excepted.
Do hold hands with the same sex.
It is often common for men to hold hands or touch legs.
Do not show the bottom of your feet. Feet are considered to be the dirtiest part of the body. Showing the bottom of your feet is disrespectful. Pointing your feet in one direction especially towards someone is considered disrespectful.
Do sit indian style or ladies often sit with their legs to one side making sure to point the bottom of their feet away from people.
It is also good to place your feet flat on ground. If it is unavoidable to sit with your legs out in front of you. you can place a bag in front of your feet so that the bottom of your feet don’t show.
Don’t turn fans off with your feet, remember it is disrespectful.
Do turn off the fan using hands or anything but your feet.
Don’t point at things with your feet.
Actually, don’t point at all with your fingers, its considered to be rude.
Do point at something with you whole hand and with your palm up.
When trying to get someone to come closer do not motion with your hand with you palm up. This type of motion is used for dog or even prostitutes.
Do motion with your hand palm down.
When walking through a crowd, especially when they are sitting, don’t walk upright.
Do crouch down/bow when passing through a crowd.
One important thing that is different here is that it is a monarchy here and the king’s picture is on money. So, do not step on the money because its like putting your foot on the king’s face.
Also, don’t crumple the money because it’s disrespectful to the king.
Hope this helps you understand more to Thai culture. You would be surprised how hard it is to follow these simple rules.
