Thailand Travel
Etiquette Guide
Cultural dos & don'ts every visitor should know
The Golden Rules at a Glance
Keep your voice down in public places and on transport
Never disrespect the monarchy — it is a criminal offence
Press palms together and bow slightly when greeted with a Wai
Cover shoulders and knees before entering any temple
Stay calm — never raise your voice or show anger publicly
Remove shoes before entering temples and many homes
Public Transport (BTS / MRT / Buses)
✅ Do
- •Speak softly — keep phone calls brief and voice low
- •Give up priority seats for monks, elderly, pregnant women, and disabled passengers
- •Step aside to let passengers exit before boarding
- •Remove your backpack in crowded carriages
❌ Don't
- •Eat or drink — it's prohibited on BTS and MRT with fines
- •Play audio through phone speakers
- •Block the doors
- •Be excessively loud — Thai people value calm in shared spaces
Note: Thai public spaces operate on an unspoken code of quietness and consideration. Loud behaviour — even if unintentionally cheerful — can be seen as disrespectful to others.
The Monarchy
✅ Do
- •Stand still and silent when the Royal Anthem plays (cinemas, public events, 8am and 6pm at some public areas)
- •Treat the King's image — on banknotes, coins, and portraits — with visible respect
- •Listen respectfully if Thais speak about the Royal Family
❌ Don't
- •Criticise, mock, or insult the King, Queen, or any member of the Royal Family
- •Step on coins or banknotes — they carry the King's image
- •Share negative content about the monarchy on social media while in Thailand
Note: Thailand's lèse-majesté law (Section 112 of the Criminal Code) carries penalties of 3–15 years imprisonment per count. This law is actively enforced and applies to foreigners.
Temples & Sacred Sites
✅ Do
- •Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees (sarongs available at many temple entrances)
- •Remove shoes before entering any building inside the temple compound
- •Speak quietly and move respectfully
- •Sit with legs tucked to the side, not pointing at Buddha images
❌ Don't
- •Touch or climb on Buddha statues, ruins, or sacred structures
- •Women: hand items directly to monks or make physical contact with them
- •Point feet toward Buddha images, altars, or monks
- •Turn your back to a Buddha image when leaving a room
- •Wear sleeveless tops, shorts, or short skirts
Head & Feet
✅ Do
- •Be aware that the head is considered the most sacred part of the body
- •Keep feet low — on the floor, not on seats, tables, or pointing at people
❌ Don't
- •Touch or pat anyone's head — even children's, even affectionately
- •Point your feet at a person, a Buddha image, or a sacred object
- •Prop your feet on furniture in homes or temple areas
Note: This is one of the most commonly broken rules by tourists, usually due to ignorance rather than bad intent — but it can cause genuine offence.
The Wai (ไหว้)
✅ Do
- •Return a Wai when greeted — press palms together at chest height and bow slightly
- •Give a higher Wai (hands at nose/forehead level) to monks and elders
- •Wai back to service staff and shopkeepers as a sign of gratitude
❌ Don't
- •Wai while holding food, bags, or your phone — place items down first
- •Worry too much about doing it wrong — Thais appreciate any attempt at the Wai
Note: You don't need to Wai to children or those in clearly lower service roles (e.g. tuk-tuk drivers, street vendors). A warm smile is always appreciated.
General Social Conduct
✅ Do
- •Smile — Thailand is "the Land of Smiles" and a warm smile resolves most situations
- •Bargain politely at markets (not in malls or restaurants)
- •Tip at restaurants: 20–50 THB is appreciated, 10% for nicer venues
- •Use "Sawasdee kha (female) / khrap (male)" to greet, "Khob khun kha/khrap" to thank
- •Dress modestly away from beach areas — cover up when entering towns
❌ Don't
- •Raise your voice or show anger — this is seen as a loss of face for both parties
- •Show excessive public displays of affection
- •Point at people with your index finger (use an open hand instead)
- •Use your left hand to give or receive items (traditionally considered unclean)
- •Assume everyone speaks English — a few words of Thai go a long way
Common Questions
Is it rude to be loud on public transport in Thailand?
Yes — Thais value quietness in shared public spaces. Speaking loudly, playing phone audio through speakers, or being boisterous on the BTS or MRT is considered disrespectful. Keep conversations at a low volume and keep phone calls brief.
What is the Wai greeting and how do I do it?
The Wai (ไหว้) is the traditional Thai greeting: press your palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bow your head slightly. The higher your hands, the more respect you are showing. At chest level is standard; nose level is for elders and senior figures; forehead level is for monks and highly revered persons. Return any Wai directed at you.
What should I wear to a Thai temple?
Both men and women must cover shoulders and knees before entering any Thai temple. Avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts, and see-through clothing. Many major temples provide sarongs to borrow at the entrance. Remove shoes before entering any building on the temple grounds.
Can I touch someone's head in Thailand?
No — the head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture. Touching or patting someone's head — even a child's — is offensive. This applies equally to Buddha statues: never touch or climb on them.
What are the rules about the Thai monarchy?
Thailand's lèse-majesté law (Section 112 of the Criminal Code) makes it a criminal offence to insult, defame, or threaten the King, Queen, or Heir-Apparent. Penalties range from 3 to 15 years imprisonment per count and the law applies to foreigners. Stand and be silent when the Royal Anthem plays. Do not step on coins or banknotes, which carry the King's image.
Is bargaining acceptable in Thailand?
Bargaining is normal and expected at outdoor markets, street stalls, and souvenir shops. It is not acceptable in malls, convenience stores, or restaurants with printed menus. Bargain with a smile and light tone — walking away rudely or aggressively is frowned upon.
Should I tip in Thailand?
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. At restaurants, leaving 20–50 THB is a kind gesture; 10% is common at mid-range and upscale venues. For taxis, rounding up the fare is sufficient. For hotel housekeeping, 20–50 THB per day left on the pillow is customary.
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