USEFUL TIPS

Thais are known for their tolerance and hospitality, and the average tourist will have no difficulty in adjusting to local customs. As in any unfamiliar society, a visitor should, nevertheless, be aware of certain do’s and don'ts to avoid offending people unintentionally. Basically, getting along involves good common sense and how one should behave at home. Still, there are a few special tips for travelers to Thailand.

The Monarchy
Thais revere the Royal Family, and visitors should be careful to show respect for His Majesty the King, the Queen and their children. For example, in a movie theater, movie-goers are required to stand up while the royal anthem is played. When attending a public event, at which a member of the Royal Family is present, watch the crowd and do what it does.
Religion

Thai law has special sections on religious offenses covering not only Buddhism, the religion of most Thais, but also other faiths in the Kingdom. Sacrilegious comments, acts and vandalism of religious objects or place of worship are unlawful. It is also unlawful to cause any disturbances at religious congregations or ceremonies.

In visiting a religious places

A number of special sections in the Thai lawconcersn religious offenses. These cover not only Buddhism, the religion of the majority of the Thai people, but also other faiths represented ini the kingdom. To avoid gaffers, here are a few tips on what to do and what not when visitng religious places.

• Dress neatly. Don't go shirtless, in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.
• It is alright to wear shoes while while walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
• Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman or to accept anything from their hands. If a  woman has to give anything to a monk or novice, she hands it to a man, who then presents it. In case a woman insists to present it herself, the monk spreads out a piece of saffron robe or handkerchief infront of him, and the woman lays down the material on the cloth.
• All Buddha images, large and small, ruined or not, are regarded as sacred objects. Hence, don't climb up on on to take a photograph, or do antyhing that might show lack of respect.
• In a Muslim mosque, men should wear hats and women should be well covered with slacks or a long skirt, a long sleeved botttoned-up blouse, and a scarf over the head. Everyone should remove her/his shoes before entering the mosque.

Social
The don’ts of everyday Thai social behavior are less clearly defined than those concerning the monarchy or religion, especially in Bangkok where western customs are widely accepted. However, what is acceptable in Bangkok may not be the same in the countryside where traditions remain strong and are strictly adhered. Here are few examples:

Thais do not normally shake hands when they greet each other, but instead press the palms of their hands in a prayer-like gesture called “wai”. Generally, a younger person should wai an older person, who will then return it.

It is considered rude to use your foot for pointing, especially when pointing at a person. Thais regard their head as the highest part of the body. They do not approve of touching anyone’s head, even in a friendly gesture. At social gatherings, young Thais go to considerable length to keep their head lower than those of their elders' in order to avoid giving the impression of looking down on them. This is not always possible, of course, but it is the effort that counts.

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. You may see some young Thai couple holding hands but never kissing in public

Losing your temper, especially in public, will most likely get you nowhere. Thais see such displays as poor mannerism. You have a greater chance of getting what you want if you keep a cool head and remain polite.

Do not be surprised if you are addressed by your first name, e.g. Mr. Bob or Ms. Mary, instead of your last name. This is because Thais refer to one another in this manner, usually with the title Khun (Mr., Mrs., or Ms.) in front.

The Head. Whereas in the west a friendly pat on the head, especially the head of someone a bit younger than you, will be regarded as a friendly and supportive gesture, in Thailand any gesture towards the head will cause Thais to recoil and will be greeted with shock and possibly annoyance. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body – the temple of the body as it were. As such touching someone’s head is entirely unacceptable.

The Feet. Whereas the head is the highest point of the body, the feet are the lowest. Do not point at things with your feet, and do not point the palms of your feet at anyone (see Buddha Images above).

Drugs. Thailand takes drugs very seriously and is trying to eradicate unlawful drugs entirely. Don’t either partake or trade in illegal substances. Clubs and places of entertainment are sometimes raided and people made to put forward urine samples. If you test positive, penalties will be harsh. Trading in drugs will lead to the death penalty or likely decades in prison.

Kissing, cuddling and similar behaviour are frowned upon if in public – especially amongst older Thais. Younger Thais are unlikely to be as shocked, but to avoid their possible discomfort, avoid the behaviour.

Thais are generally shy people and few are likely to walk up to you and engage in conversation. If this happens, and the conversation moves towards the purchase of gems, gold, jewellery or other such items, beware. Every year people get caught up in purchases of items at entirely inflated prices that have little or no value because they are told they can sell these items at a profit in their home countries. Remember you are here on holiday – not here to make a fast buck. If something seems too good to be true – it is.

Smoking in the street is illegal – you can be fined 2,000 Baht. Dropping litter in the street is illegal – the same fine applies.

Do not engage in purchase of wild animals whether protected or not. Aside from the moral issues, punishments are very harsh.