Tips for Thailand Visitors

- The King and Queen of Thailand as well as the Royal Family have been in highest reverence. Thai people will not put up with foreigners talking about them in an impolite and disrespectful way.
- As Thailand is a Buddhist country, all Buddha statutes are held very sacred. Indecent religious acts are liable to be punished by imprisonment although done by foreigners.
- It is customary when visiting a Buddhist monastery or palace to dress up property. Remove your shoes before stepping inside the main hall or ordination hall where there is a Buddha image.
- Never touch or lean against a Buddha image. Ladies must not touch a Buddhist monk, offer things directly to him nor receive things directly from him.
- It is customary when entering a Thai house to take off your shoes and leave them outside the door.
- Thai women are taught to be conservative therefore it is considered rude to touch them without their permission.
- Address Thai people by their first names and it is very polite to use the title “Khun” for adults.
- Thai people smile to show their pleasure and bliss, to thank for small services, to excuse minor inconveniences and to return the “Wai” (a way of respecting and greeting) of children.
- Smile a lot and say thank you to make a request, to apologize and to resolve bad feelings. Foreigners should also be more polite and respectful towards elder Thai people.
- Learn a few Thai words. Thai people really appreciate this. Also sample the local dishes and some of Thailand's exotic fruits.
- Pay respect through standing to the national anthem that is played twice a day namely at 08.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. as well as before every film at the cinema.
- Never express intimacies between a man and a woman in the public areas. Sunbathing in the nude, kissing, screaming and losing temper are prohibited. They are ill-mannered.
- Never touch Thai people on the head because it is regarded as a special part of the body. But elder people can touch the young ones.
- Never step on money, national flag or anything that has the King’s image upon it.
- Never point the soles of your feet directly at Thai people or holy things as it is an insult in Thai traditions.
- Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand. Do not get yourself involved with drugs.

Touring in Bangkok
- Rely only on registered travel agents service.
- Beware of unauthorized people who render their services as your guides.
- Visiting the floating market should be done early in the morning.
- Bring with you sun block and a hat or cap when walking in the sun in the afternoon.
- Tourists are always advised to use the hotel taxi service at their hotel if they do not know their way around or cannot speak Thai language.
- Check for open and closing time of your destination before you go. Some places are closed early whereas others are closed in a particular day.
- Do not litter. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is now strictly enforcing the law in an effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The fine (maximum 2,000 Baht) will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs or drops garbage in public areas.