Useful Hints For Tourist Coming To Bangkok
Polite behavior is welcomed everywhere, and what is considered polite in other countries is probably considered polite in Thailand, too. Howev ' er, there are few cultural pitfalls, mainly social and religious taboos, the breading of which Gan cause offence.
The don'ts of Thai social behavior are less clearly defined than these concerning the monarchy or religion, especially in a city like Bangkok where western customs are better known and more widely accepted. However, what is acceptable in Bangkok may not be in the countryside where the old ways are still prevalent. Here are a few things to keep in mind :
- For example, Thais revere their royal family. Even social malcontents who ignore legal and community standards refuse to tolerate a faintly implied slight on the Thai monarchy.
- It's obligatory to stand when the King's anthem is playing in the cinemas.
- Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go shirtless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.
- Shoes should be removed when entering private Thai homes; chapels where Buddhist images are kept; and any of the Islamic community's mosques.
- Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as being a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take photograph or do anything that might show lack of respect.
- This do not normally shake hands when they greet on another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer like gesture called a way. Generally, a younger person WAIS an elder, who returns it. Watch how the Thais do it, and you will soon learn.
- It is considered rude to point your foot at a person, so try to avoid doing so when sitting opposite anyone, and following the conception that the foot is a low limb; do not point your foot to show anything to anyone but use your finger instead.
- Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body both literally and figuratively. As a result, they do not approve of touching anyone on that part of the body, even in a friendly gesture. Similarly, if you watch Thais at a social gathering, you will notice that young people go to considerable lengths to keep their heads lower than those of the elder ones, to avoid giving the impression of "looking down" on them. This is not always possible, of course, but it's the effort that counts.
- Public displays of affection between men and women are not appropriate. Westernized Thai couples may hold hands but that's as far as it goes in polite society.
- Losing your temper, especially in public, will more than likely get you nowhere. The Thais think that such displays denote poor manners, and you are more able to get what you want by keeping clam and concealing your emotions.
- Do not be surprised if you are addressed by your first name: for instance. Mr. Bob or Miss Mary instead of by your surname. This is because Thais refer to one another in this manner, usually with the title "Khun" (Mr., Mrs. or Miss) in front. Follow the customs of the country as far as possible and you will make more friends during your stay.
- Penalty for drug offence is very severe in Thailand doesn't get yourself involved with drugs.
Miscellany
- Clothing - Thin cotton is the best. A jacket or pullover may be necessary in the cool season, especially when you are in mountainous areas in the North or Northeast.
- Electricity - 220 v 50 cycles throughout the country.
- Measurement of area - Thailand has its own system of area measurement. The basic units are square wa (=4 sq.m.) and rai (=400 sq.wa or 1,600 sq.m. or 0.16 hectare).
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