Thailand holidays
Thailand vacations are amazing, stunning, fun-filled, unique and life changing. To get the most out of your holiday, learn about the customs and traditions that are requested of people visiting this beautiful country. These tips can help you become one of their beloved guests. Reading through this article will help you understand the proper ways to conduct yourself in common situations. This will help you show appreciation for the Thai people and the place they call home. These basic principles will also keep you from unintentionally offending your gracious hosts.
Thailand Holidays Can Be More Than Just a Party
Thailand is a truly unique and beautiful country. And it can be a great party. With relatively cheap prices, warm weather and friendly people, some places in Thailand have become overwhelmed with partygoers. Our recommendation is to have fun, party some, but consider what you will be missing if that is all you do. Also consider that this is the ancient home of your hosts.
Greeting people in Thailand with the Wai
The Wai is a custom found throughout Thailand. It is performed by placing your palms together and letting your fingers point upward (in a prayer position). When you do this you also bend your head at the neck, to show respect to the people that you are meeting. The Thai people generally appreciate when foreigners visiting their country use the Wai because of the regard it shows to their culture. Every person in Thailand is familiar with this type of greeting, and will immediately respond in kind to this gentle and polite gesture.
Graeng Jai … Saying “No Thanks” Without Being Rude
Graeng Jai is a somewhat difficult concept to understand, as there is no good word or phrase in English. Once you think you have it translated, Graeng Jai comes up in different forms. Some attempts at translation are, “I don’t want to impose on others”, “over-polite”, “I don’t want to say what I am really thinking”, and “fear of disrespecting authority,” “high respect for authority, elders or parents.” While frustrating at times, it has a very important role in Thai culture.
Some Advice on Thai Customs
Thailand does have a long list of “must do” and “don’t dare” actions. The Thai people are very gracious and hospitable so they won’t get mad if you do not observe all of their traditional rules and customs, but it is a good idea for any traveler to be familiar with as many of these as possible. You would appreciate visitors to your own country showing the same respect for your own customs.
Inappropriate Dress In Thailand
Improper attire is one thing that Thai people frown upon. However, because of their graciousness and Graeng Jai, they may not say anything to you. So it is up to you to learn about it before you go and observe what others are doing. Some of the younger citizens are not as strict about dress codes, but the older people are. A general rule is to not bare shoulders or go shirtless in Thailand’s public places. On the beach, of course, it is no problem. But elsewhere, more traditional clothing is appreciated. Just remember to follow the “not too” reminders when it comes to your dress choices. Not too small, not too tight, not too skimpy and not too revealing.
Buddhism – Spirituality in Thailand
Most Thai people practice Buddhism and this spiritual system colors the everyday life and culture in the country. This belief and faith is shown in many ways. In Thai families when a son reaches the age of around 20 he will actually spend a short time as a monk. Many people believe that having a son who spends some time as a monk will guarantee that his parents will go to a heavenly place when they pass away. Becoming a monk for any amount of time is one of the ways that these young men are able to demonstrate their faith in their spiritual beliefs. The temples are very holy structures to Buddhist believers. Always show respect to any statue depicting Buddha, which means no climbing on them, no sitting beside them for a photo-op, and never put a Buddha figure on the floor.
Temple Traditions and Etiquette
In a temple setting rules and tradition are very strict. Your clothing must be acceptable in order to enter the temple. It is best to dress modestly. There are usually sarongs available at all temples that can be worn by both men and women if your clothing is not accepted or is questionable. Shoes come off before ever entering a temple. Sometimes you may see a man at temple wearing a tank tee and shorts, but this is taboo for a woman at the temple. Whether kneeling or sitting in a temple you must not let the soles of your feet face toward the altar. Women are not to touch or hand any objects to a monk at any time. If a monk loses something it is best to leave the item on a table so that he can retrieve it for himself. Some monks have a more liberal viewpoint on this and have no problem with touching a woman’s wrist to tie a string around it or a gentle touch on the shoulder. But always follow the monk’s lead.
Respect For The Royal Family and The King
King Phumipon Adunyadet and the Thai Royal family are very popular in Thailand and are held in great esteem by the Thai people. Remember to not make any disparaging or sarcastic comments about the king and his family. Not only would Thai’s be deeply offended and outraged, it is illegal and carries consequences. This might seem outrageous to people who come from countries where they are free to criticize their leaders, however, it is not wise to challenge it (at least within Thailand). For the most part, this law is well-accepted and welcomed by Thais themselves, which suggests the enormous respect they have for their King. Their King and Queen have helped the country prosper and have been instrumental in converting opium production to organic farming, they have gracefully brought Thailand into the modern age while maintaining much of the old tradition, and are generally considered benevolent.
Basic Etiquette in Everyday Situations
As in many Asian countries it is tradition to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. You may even be asked to do this in public restaurants, shops and stores. It’s fun to do and you may want to continue this at your own home. Thais consider it rude to point with your hands or fingers. If you are sitting or kneeling across from others do not let the soles of your feet face them, as this is also considered rude and insulting. Never point at anything or any person with your foot when you are in Thailand. As the feet are thought of as the lowest part of the body it is considered very rude. To use them to indicate something is insulting to them. Refrain from touching someone else’s head, even if it is only to remove a leaf or smooth their hair. The head is thought of as the highest part of the body. It is considered to be very rude for someone else to touch their head. Public displays of any affection are also extremely rude. Refraining from public shows of kisses or hugs is much appreciated.
Learn From Those Around You
There are so many new sights, sounds and smells in Thailand. When arriving, you will probably be on sensory overload. But as your senses become more accustomed to your surroundings, observe what people are doing and how they are acting. As crazy as it sounds, try to fit in instead of stand out. Observe your body language, your voice volume levels, your group size, your presence. Then compare it with others around you – Thai and foreigners in your group. See if you can start to melt into the madness. Don’t think of it as constricting – think of it as a gentle learning with Thailand as your teacher.
I went on an amazing rainforest canopy tour with this company and learned a ton about Thai culture during my home-stay. Check it out!
Flight of the Gibbon Adventure Tours
Provides Thailand packages that include a canopy tour, rock climbing, white water rafting, mountain biking and trekking. Overnight in an authentic mountain home stay also included. Thailand Holidays
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December 25, 2009 7:42 pm | 
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