THAILAND ITS CUSTOMS AND CULTURE

Customs Thailand: The most important tools of your success in Thailand will be patience, patience, and more patience. In Thailand, a person who lets irritation or aggression pass or forgives easily is respected, whereas one who gets angry or shows aggression will have no respect at all. Even small children are taught not to show anger or emotions, especially by crying. A well known phrase is “mai pen rai”, which means “it’s OK.” Say it with a smile, walk away and you will make no enemies.

Social inferiors generally put their palms higher and keep their heads to a lower level than those they regard as superior. Younger people wai first. The wai is also used when saying “thank you,” or kop khun kha/khrap, when receiving a gift or special favor.

Thai society, like many others in Asia, is very hierarchical. People earn more respect with increasing age, wealth, and education. As a general rule, a subordinate listens to, serves, and follows the directions of his or her superior without comment or question. In return, the superior takes care of the subordinate as a mentor of sorts. To place you in relation to themselves, Thais will ask you questions that may seem rude, but aren’t meant to be; for example, you may be asked about your age, salary, and marital status. The social structure is often revealed in restaurants when either the oldest or wealthiest person in the group pays for everyone.

In the business world, most Thais use the Western tradition of handshaking. The traditional greeting is the wai, a prayer-like gesture in which the palms are pressed together and the fingers held upward with the thumbs almost touching the nose.

When eating a meal with Thais, try to use the correct utensils. Spoons, forks, and chopsticks all have their appropriate (and inappropriate) uses. Knifes are hardly used as most Thai food is scoop food. Rice dishes are eaten with a fork and spoon only, and noodles are eaten with chopsticks. When a group of people order food in a restaurant, it is usually served “share style” with common serving platters in the middle of the table. Instead of heaping the food all at once onto your plate, follow the example of your Thai hosts: they will take a spoonful or two from the serving platter, put it next to their rice on their personal plates, then eat it slowly. Be sure to leave a little food on your plate to show that you have had enough, and never take the last bite.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Walking hand in hand is as far the Thai people go with showing affection.

Culture Thailand: Dress is informal, although beachwear should be confined to the beach only. It is disrespectful to wear your beachwear (bikini, Speedos and board-shorts without t-shirts) in areas like streets, supermarkets and shopping malls towards the Thai people. Bathing topless is strictly forbidden even at the beaches in tourist areas like Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Phuket and Koh Phangan.

When you are going to visit one of the fantastic, cheap and modern Movie cinema’s in Thailand, please be aware that before the movie starts there will be a short movie shown about the King of Thailand. When this starts, stand-up and do not speak or laugh. The Royal Family is highly respected and showing any disrespect will make you end up in jail.

You probably know that bargaining is a common practice in Thailand, and should always be employed when hiring vehicles or shopping at open-air markets. There is no bargaining in restaurants, supermarkets, major shopping malls, hotels or when the price is indicated on a label or sign. Tipping generally isn’t necessary, especially at less expensive restaurants, but always appreciated (never tip more than 15%, even when 500 baht doesn’t sound much to you). One advice is to be careful with the TukTuk drivers. If you don’t mind paying too much for a ride in a TUKTUK please go ahead, but do not, especially in Tourist areas, go into a discussion with a TUKTUK driver.

Thailand’s hierarchical system is not limited to social structure, it also affects personal clothing. The feet, and therefore the shoes, are the lowest part of the body and are often dusty. This is why shoes are always removed when entering a home or temple, so be sure you always have clean feet or an extra pair of socks that you can put on just before reaching your destination. When sitting in a chair, avoid crossing your feet, as this may result in pointing your foot at someone, which is considered to be rude. When sitting on the floor, follow the example of your host: crossed legs are fine for men, but women usually bend their knees and tuck their feet under and to one side. The head, being the highest part of the body, is revered. Never touch a Thai person’s head.

Drugs are illegal and travelers should know that possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment, and that drug traffickers risk the death penalty.

To make a good impression on your superiors and subordinates, bring them small gifts, particularly after trips.