Do's and Don't in Thailand

• Thais believe the head is the most sacred part of the body. Refrain, thus, from touching a Thai on the head.
• The feet are considered the basest part of the body, don’ rest your feet or put your shoes on a table, and don’t stretch out your feet in anyone’s direction.
• Thais feel strongly about their religion, so don’t wear your beach clothes to a temple, don’t climb over Buddha images, and always remove your shoes before entering a temple.
• The traditional Thai greeting is the “Wai”, wherein the hands are brought together in front of the chin. The younger or the lower-ranking person “Wais” first.
• The Royal Family is deeply loved and respected. Don’t speak ill of its members even in just.
• Displays of affection between the sexes in public are a “no-no”. Don’t sunbathe topless.
• Thais are quite respectful of Westerners and some may try out their English on you. So, don’t be offended by questions about your age, salary and marital status; they don’t mean to be intrusive.
• “Sanook” is a Thai word describing everything that is fun, enjoyable and that gives pleasure. This combines with the phrase “ Mai Pen Rai” (never mind). These should remain in your mind during your stay in this country.

While Traveling

• Do not get involved with any kind of narcotic drugs, gambling, child prostitution or other illegal activities that violate the law.
• Do not walk in isolated places.
• Strictly observe the warning signs at tourist attractions. Do not violate the law, as this may result in severe consequences.
• Be careful with your bags and valuables when traveling. Do not leave them unattended.
• Only use the services of tour agencies that have the official authorization from the Tourism of Thailand.
• Before using any service, check the information before making a final decision and keep any important related documents in the case of a problem after using the service.
• Do not believe strangers that offer you any helpful services, food or beverage.
• Obtain information about the tourist destination before traveling; check the weather conditions and your health, so that your trip will go smoothly.
• Do not spit saliva or phlegm, discard cigarette stubs, or litter by throwing any form of garbage in public areas, on the streets or on the ground. Offender will be subjected to a maximum fine of 2,000 baht.
• Help to maintain the surroundings of the tourist destination for others.
• If you any problems while traveling, please contact the Tourist Service Center Tel: 1155 (Free 24 hrs.)

While Shopping

• Be careful with your bag and valuables while shopping in crowded area.
• Before buying, be careful of strangers that come to befriend you and introduce various offers, and take you to go to buy goods; in particular jewelry shops and tailors, because you might be deceived.
• Before buying, check the goods and compare various prices; may be you can bargain for a better price.
• After buying and before leaving the shop, check that the goods are the same that you bought. Some ships do not exchange or give refunds, and make sure you keep the receipts.
• In the case that you have the shop send the goods by mail, have them give you the receipt for ending the goods, so that you can be certain that there is and actual mailing service.
• Before buying some kinds of goods; for example, antiques and wildlife products, it may be necessary to obtain permission from certain Authorities. Check that those gooks can leave Thailand and/or enter your country. With regard to leaving Thailand, please check with the shop or the related agency; for example, the Department of Fine Arts and the Department of Customs.
• Always use common sense.

When entering a religious place

• Dress neatly. Don’t go shirtless, in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.
• It is all right to wear shoes while walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
• Buddhist priests are forbidden to touch or be touched by women. If a women has to give anything to a monk or novice, she hands it to a man, who then presents it. In case of a woman who wants to present it with her hand, the monk or novice spreads out a price of saffron robe or handkerchief in front of him, and the women lays down the material on the robe.
• All Buddha images, large or small, ruined or not, are regarded as sacred objects. Hence, don’t climb up on one to take a photograph or do anything 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 ling-sleeves blouse buttoned to the neck, and scarf over the hair. Shoes should be removed before entering a mosque.

The Monarchy : Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.

Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attireIt is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.

Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.

Social Norms :
Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.

Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

Special Advice :
- Beware of unauthorised people who offer their services as guides. For all tourist information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel : 1672. For information about Bangkok, contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Tourist Bureau, Tel : 0 2225 7612-4.

- Observe all normal precautions as regards to personal safety, as well as the safety fof your belongings. Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your valuables-money, jewellery, and airline tickets are properly protected from loss. Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, unethical practices, or other matters, please call the Tourist Police at Tel: 1155.

- Drop your garbage into a waste container. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration id no strictly enforcing the law in an effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The fine will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas.

- Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand.

- Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.