I believe that no matter which country you are visiting, it’s helpful to understand a bit of its culture. After reading these 18 things about Thailand, you’ll be one step ahead of other travellers: you’ll know what to watch out for and which quirks are typical.
1. The Land of Smiles
Thais have over ten different ways of smiling. A smile can show joy, agreement, embarrassment, nervousness, or even be a way of saying sorry. To outsiders, it might just seem “friendly” – but for Thais, each smile carries its own meaning.
2. Greeting with the Wai
Handshakes are uncommon in Thailand. Instead, people press their palms together and give a slight bow – this is called Wai. The higher the hands are held, the more respect is shown.
3. Respect the Head, Keep Your Feet Low
In Thailand, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body – it should never be touched, not even on children. The feet, on the other hand, are seen as low and impure. That’s why you should never point your feet at people, Buddha statues, or religious symbols.
4. Eating with a Spoon Instead of a Knife
When eating, Thais use a fork and spoon – the fork is only used to push food onto the spoon, which is then brought to the mouth. You don’t need a knife, as the food is already served in bite-sized pieces.
5. Snacking Throughout the Day
Thais love to eat – but not necessarily in three big meals. Instead, they enjoy small snacks throughout the day, from grilled meat sticks to fresh fruit. That’s why you’ll find food stalls on almost every street. And honestly, Thai food is just incredibly delicious.
If you don’t have a meal with rice and something to go with it, it’s not really seen as a proper meal here. Thais even have a word for it – “gin len” – which literally means eating for fun. So if you just have a bit of yoghurt and some fruit for dinner, that’s not dinner at all, it’s gin len.
6. Dream-Inspired Lottery Fever
Many Thais are passionate lottery players. They often buy tickets based on numbers from their dreams or “signs” life gives them – like a particular car number plate or a number that appears in a story. Superstition plays an important role in the everyday lives of many Thais.
7. Fanta for the Household Spirits
Almost every house in Thailand has a spirit house (San Phra Phum). Residents leave small offerings there – incense sticks, fruits, and flowers. Drinks like Fanta or Red Bull are also popular, to keep the spirits happy. Please do not touch or take anything.
8. Staying Calm in Traffic
Bangkok is notorious for its traffic jams – but honking is extremely rare. Thais remain surprisingly patient and calm, even when progress is slow for hours. It’s one reason why life can feel more relaxed despite the chaos.
9. Flip-Flops Everywhere
Shoes are taken off almost everywhere in Thailand – in temples, but also in many clinics, homes, or massage salons. That’s why flip-flops are the most practical footwear in the country, and many even wear them on dressier occasions.
10. White is Beautiful
While many Europeans like to get a tan in the sun, Thais prefer the opposite: fair skin is considered the beauty ideal. That’s why there are countless “whitening” products in supermarkets – from soaps to sunscreens.
11. Avoiding the Sun – Thais Love the Shade
While many visitors head straight for the sunshine, eager to lie on the sand, Thais avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. Fair skin is considered the beauty ideal, so they use umbrellas, hats, sunscreen, and long-sleeved clothing, even in high temperatures.
12. Stay Polite and Calm
Thais place great value on calmness and harmony. Even in stressful situations, like traffic jams or minor conflicts, they usually remain polite and composed. Loud arguments or open criticism are avoided – maintaining face and a friendly demeanor is considered more important than being right.
13. Kissing in Public? Think Twice
In Thailand, public displays of affection, such as kissing or prolonged cuddling, are considered impolite and private. Holding hands is fine, but anything more is usually met with disapproving glances. This applies even in entertainment districts in Bangkok, Pattaya, or Phuket. Bar girls must not be touched inappropriately. Knowing and respecting these rules shows consideration and earns a more positive response from locals.
14. Putting Your Feet Up? – Better Not
As mentioned earlier, the feet are considered the lowest and least sacred part of the body. Putting them up – on a chair, table, or even pointing them towards another person or a Buddha statue – is seen as disrespectful.
15. National Pride
Twice daily, at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Thailand’s national anthem is played over speakers in public squares, parks, and train stations. Thais stand respectfully during this time – and the same is expected of foreigners.
16. Royal Anthem at the Cinema
Before a film starts, the royal anthem is played in Thai cinemas to honour the King. All viewers stand up from their seats to show respect, and tourists are expected to do the same.
17. Buying Alcohol
In Thailand, there are legal hours for selling alcoholic drinks: usually between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Outside these times, alcohol cannot be sold in stores. Sales are also restricted on certain holidays, such as Buddhist festivals.
18. Nudism and Topless Sunbathing in Thailand
Nudist beaches or topless sunbathing are uncommon and culturally unacceptable in Thailand. While it may sometimes be overlooked at tourist beaches, nudity is officially considered disrespectful to Thai culture. If enjoying nudism or sunbathing topless is important to you on holiday, it’s better to choose another destination – Thailand is not the right place for it.
Conclusion
A holiday in Thailand isn’t just about enduring a long flight, lying on the beach, and drinking beer. Of course, that’s fine for some, but there are tourists who behave exactly like that. Some foreigners act inappropriately in public out of ignorance or under the influence of alcohol. In Thailand, this stands out even more, as people place great value on politeness and restraint.
Thais in service professions – like taxi drivers, massage therapists, or hairdressers – pay close attention to which tourists are friendly and respectful. Those who greet politely, smile, and follow small cultural rules are often treated more favourably.