Thai Cultures

    KEEP AN OPEN MIND!
  STAY POSITIVE!
MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS!
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR NEW HOME!
LEAVE YOUR EXPECTATIONS AT HOME!

Culture/ Language/Food/General Info/ Places to go

Thai people are usually quite lenient and understanding in regards to foreigners not understanding the “Thai way” of approaching and doing things. Most Thai people will usually smile and allow you to do things that they would never do themselves in their culture. This does not mean that they are happy with you, just that they are tolerating you. You can choose to be ignorant about the “Thai way” of life and continue to offend the people of the country you choose to live in OR you can educate yourself to some simple cultural norms. There are many fairly simple adjustments you can make that are likely to surprise and in some cases delight the people of Thailand.                                      

                                                              Do and Don't

DON’T insist loudly on having your way.
DON’T be loud, aggressive, or insistent. These traits are considered rude and disrespectful.
DON’T point your feet at anything or anybody. Feet are considered dirty and it is extremely rude to “involve” anybody or anything with your feet.
DON’T touch anybodies head. The head is considered high and ‘holy’. Again, this would be very rude and disrespectful.
DON’T get upset if someone is late or simply does not turn up for an engagement. Thais tend to have a different perspective of time than Westerners.
DON’T get upset if someone shouts “Hey you!” or “Farang!”. It is the only way they know to get your attention.
DON’T say ANYTHING negative about the Thai monarchy. This is a SERIOUS offence.
DON’T get upset if Thai people ask your age, salary, job, etc. These are how they relate to each other and it is information needed so they know how much respect to show to you.
DON’T get upset if people “bud” in front of you at shops. Queuing or lining up is still a new concept for most Asian countries and is not commonly practiced especially in smaller less westernized communities.           
DO smile and smile often. You will be surprised at how far this can get you.
DO Wai (prayer like greeting made by pressing palms together) people older than you or of high status
DO remove your shoes when entering someone’s house, temple, shop or other dwelling. If in doubt, look for the presence of other shoes outside.                                                                                                                                       
DO remain calm and patient during trying situations regardless of who you feel is at fault or who is “right”.
DO eat Thai food and dine the “Thai way”. Thais generally order rice for all and then order many shared dishes. It is not uncommon for someone to
just eat some food that you have ordered.
DO dress presentably as often as you can. Thais tend to judge first impressions by you appearance. This is especially true in government offices, temples, banks, immigration, and schools. Shirts should be work at all times regardless of the  heat.
DO leave a tip if you are happy with the service and/or food.                 
DO follow Thai laws at all times. If you choose to visit or live and work in a country, you are liable to the laws governing that country.
 

                                                                        Religion

      Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais.
The remainder of the population adheres to lslam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths - all of which are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast strong influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and villages, the temple (wat) is the heart of social and religious life.   Meditation is one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism.