Culture is probably one of the main things that attracts Thailand’s annual 25.ooo visitors. Well apart from the food, the parties, how easy and accessible it is to travel as well as cheap and the kindness of the people. The list could go on and on. Thailand is a country with a very rich culture and history, it’s important to understand some of it upon visiting the Kingdom of Smiles.

Thai culture is mainly influenced by religion with around 95% of the population being Buddhists. The value and belief system of Buddhism plays a huge part in day to day life.  Throughout the country it is important that they withhold respect, self- control and a non confrontational attitude. Losing face by showing anger or telling a lie is a great shame in the eyes of Thai people. After a year there, I can honestly say that I had never seen any sort of confrontation between between the locals and I have never felt so respected than I do when I am in that country. They are always smiling and I guess thats where Thailand gets the name ‘Kingdom of Smiles’ from and OH MY! are they infectious, them smiles will suck you in and make you fall in love with one of the most fascinating countries I have ever been too.

Throughout my time in Thailand, I have learnt to adapt myself to the culture both as a backpacker and an expat. I think it is very important to respect cultures and learning from it is also a huge way to develop in self growth.  So I have decided to adapt a list of some of the important things that I think you should no before any trip to Thailand.

–DO NOT DISCUSS ROYALTY.

The King of Thailand is a highly respected figure. It is forbidden to discuss the royal family or deface any images of the King and his family. This is a very serious thing to remember when visiting Thailand, if you do anything or say anything against the monarch you could find yourself in a lot of trouble which would probably end up in quite a lengthy prison sentence. In fact, a longer sentence than what you would get for murder. So just keep that in mind because a stint in a Thai prison is not what you want. You will see his photo everywhere, from bars, restaurants, peoples homes, on the streets and even in taxis. Remember to respect and to also stand up to the kings anthem when it is played before movies, concerts and sporting events.

– TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES

Feet are known to be the dirtiest part of the body. It is also respectful to take off your shoes when you enter temples, someones home, even some shops and temples will ask you to take them off. It’s jut respectful and I bet you will become so used to it that you will end up hating wearing shoes.

– COVER UP

Parts of the country are still very conservative. Although on the tourist trail like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands, you can get away without anyone looking twice at you wearing shorts, skirts, vest tops etc but in other parts of the country that are not heavily packed with tourism you may get some stares and unwelcome attention. Cover up legs anything above the knees is deemed as to much and your shoulders. It is especially important to remember to cover up when you are visiting temples or any sacred places of worship. The weather is very hot, so a thin scarf to cover your shoulders would work and perhaps a maxi skirt or some harem pants that you can pick up as a souvenir pretty much anywhere for around 150b. They are made from very thin material and will keep you relatively cool.

– WAI

When you are backpacking I wouldn’t worry about this as much but if you are an expat in the country then you will do well to learn this part of the culture and you will find that you will be respected so much more for it too. A ‘wai’ is a gesture of respect, it is where you press your palms together at chest, nose or head level (The head level being for monks/highest respected figures) and you bow your head slightly. You will almost immediately see this gesture upon your arrival in Thailand as it is an important sign of Thai etiquette and is generally used to say Hello, Goodbye and Thank you.

– NATIONAL PRIDE

National pride is a big thing in Thailand, it was one of the things that I loved about teaching in a school there, was when they would have a flag raising ceremony every morning to the national anthem. Twice a day the national anthem will be broadcasted at 8am and 6pm in public places. Pedestrians, commuters in fact everyone is expected to stop and stand whenever the song is being played.

– NEVER MIND

Arghh!! Mai Pen Rai. Probably one of my favourite phrases in Thai language. Translation- Never mind. They will use this phase in any situation they want to shrug off and do you know what? I came to really love it, although it sometimes annoyed me when used it in unnecessary situations (*cough* when they lost my passport at school *cough*) and I miss how it isn’t used often in the Western world. Nothing is taken too seriously and anything worth doing should be sanuk (fun). The laid back life-style is one of the things that constantly makes me yearn for a return to the country.

-RELIGIOUS SHRINES

You may be wondering what all the spirit houses/alters are on every property. Well they are a place for people to make offerings of food, drink and flowered garlands to keep spirits a way from inhabiting their land. Try and not touch these displays because some Thai people can be highly superstitious and might think  you are jinxing them.

– BODY CONTROL

In Buddhism, the head is known to be the most valued part of the body where as the feet is known as lowest, the dirtiest part of the body, it symbolises the attachment to the ground, which is known as a course of human suffering. Touching someones head is offensive, as well as touching someone with your feet or even pointing them at someone or a religious object.

It is very important to remember that it is forbidden for women to touch a monk, even brushing elbows walking past them in the street. Stop, bow your head slightly and give way to a monk if you see one coming in your direction.

– NICKNAMES

Most Thai people will have a nickname, although usually addressed by their Thai names. To friends and family they will be called by their nicknames. They can be completely random. Some of the most popular ones are May, Ploy, Ice, Bank, Nahm, New, Beer, Benz. That is only a few, I had students with nicknames like Bebo, Poo, Pokemon and Music.

– BATHROOM ETIQUETTE

Now it wouldn’t be a post about Thailand without bringing up the whole toilet situation. Outside the tourist areas it is rare you will find the bog standard western toilet, so you best just suck it up and squat. They are flushed by pouring water from the bucket and pan that you will generally be found next to it. Remember that the toilet roll must go in a bin not down the toilet, the water system just can’t handle the stress of it.

So there you have it, a small lesson in Thai Culture. Let me know if you are planning a trip to Thailand soon and if there is anything I can help you with.