Thai Etiquette Tips
By Vayama.com
Not an expert with chopsticks? Not to worry, if
you are traveling to Thailand! Although the Chinese brought chopsticks to
Thailand a long time ago, chopsticks are no longer widely used there. Instead,
use a fork and spoon, pushing the food into your spoon with the fork.
Thailand is a country with many customs and
traditions, and many are related to religion, which is why it is so important to
be respectful and learn about their etiquette. Below are some more etiquette
tips to take with you on your trip to Thailand!
1. What to Wear
DO
dress stylishly and modestly. Keep your attire neat and clean!
DO
wear nice pants and a nice shirt with or without a tie, if you are a man
attending a business function. For women, wear a nice dress or a skirt
and blouse for business functions. Don't wear tank-tops.
DON'T
wear shorts, short skirts, or tank-tops if you are a woman entering a
temple.
2. Food/Drinks
DO
use a fork and spoon when eating. Chopsticks are no longer traditionally
used in Thailand. Hold the spoon in your right hand and push the food
into your spoon with the fork.
DO
leave a little bit of food on your plate when you're done eating to
indicate that you are full.
DO
put your spoon and fork at the 5:25
position when you are done eating.
DON'T
use your left hand while eating.
DON'T
snap your fingers or yell to get a waiter's attention when dining out.
3. Tipping
DO
leave a tip in all restaurants. Leave the tip with your change leftover
from the bill, or tip 10% at a more upscale restaurant.
DO
tip a cab driver by rounding up your total fare.
DO
tip hotel porters 10-20 baht.
4. Gift Giving and Accepting Gifts
DO
give and receive gifts with your right hand, not your left.
DON'T
open a gift until later.
DO
give gifts such as liquor, books, or sweets.
DO
thank the gift giver with a wai.
5. Body Language and Gestures
DO
understand the meaning of the "wai." Wai is when a person puts their
hands together close to their body at chest level and gives a slight
bow. The higher the hands, the more respectful the wai. It can mean
"Hello", "I'm sorry", or "Good-bye."
DON'T
point with one finger. It's considered impolite.
DON'T
show affection in public or even touch someone of the opposite sex.
DON'T
pass something over someone's head. The head is considered sacred in
Thailand.
DON'T
point with your feet or use your feet to touch something. Feet are
considered dirty, because they are the lowest part of the body.
DON'T
talk with your hands or put your hands in your pockets while talking to
someone.
DON'T
step on a threshold when going through a doorway. Step over it instead.
Thais believe that a spirit lives in the threshold.
6. Greeting
DO
greet with a wai if you feel comfortable. However, as a foreigner, you
aren't expect to initiate with a wai, but you must always return a wai
to be polite.
DON'T
greet children, waiters, vendors, etc. with a wai. If they greet you
with a wai, simply smile and nod back at them.
DO
shake hands if not offered a wai.
7. Visiting Someone's Home
DO
bring a gift for your host. A nice host gift would be brandy, flowers,
cakes, fruit, etc.
DO
take your shoes off upon entering a home.
8. Business
DO
expect men to primarily conduct business, although women are beginning
to get more involved in Thailand's business world.
DON'T
rush negotiations. Business decision-making can be slow in Thailand.
DO
be subtle. Directness doesn't always go over well.
DO
expect to be addressed by your title and first name, i.e. Mr. Bob. This
isn't to be rude or disrespectful.
DO
introduce colleagues of a lower professional status before introducing
yourself in a formal business introduction.
9. Visiting a Temple
DO
dress conservatively. Women should wear long skirts or pants and covered
shoulders.
DON'T wear sandals.
DON'T
take photos at a temple.
DO
remove shoes upon entering.
DON'T
sit with your feet pointing towards a Buddha. Sit cross-legged or with
your feet tucked under you.
DON'T
touch a monk, give him anything, sit next to him, or sit above him.
DON'T
touch a Buddha image. They are sacred. Don't climb on top of it, move
it, or even sit next to it to pose for a picture. It's disrespectful.
Although the above list of etiquette may seem
somewhat overwhelming, as a foreigner, you won't be expected to partake in all
of their customs. Nevertheless, be conservative in your actions, especially in
temples since they are such sacred places. Keep that in mind and have a
wonderful trip to Thailand!
Source:
http://www.vayama.com/thailand-etiquette
|
