Thailand | Culture, Etiquette and Customs

The Basics

For men and women greeting either men or women of the same approximate age, greeting those of higher social status (monks, teachers, doctors, government big-shots, etc), or greeting someone who is your elder– the “wai” (hands are placed in a prayer position and then touched to somewhere between the chest and top of the head.) is used.
The wai is usually accompanied by a slight nod or bow of the head. The higher the hands are raised indicates the level of respect one is giving or being given.
For men and women greeting children, a simple nod and a smile is sufficient response to their “wai”.

The communication style depends on the level of relationships. If you know someone well, you can usually be blunt. If you are not yet well acquainted, being somewhat indirect is more polite.
Often times if a direct, confrontational type statement can't be avoided, it is prefaced with a phrase that is generally equivalent to, “If you will allow me to be very frank”. This sort of excuses the occasional blunt statement.

Thai people prefer standing at least an arms lengths or more from one another. When conversing with friends and close acquaintances this distance is a bit shorter
Amongst friends of the same sex, there is some touching during conversation. No hugging, back-slapping, and that sort of thing
There is almost no touching between men and women while conversing. Even couples keep space between themselves in public

People tend to favor direct eye contact over indirect when speaking with peers.
People may use indirect eye contact when speaking with their elders or superiors as a sign of respect and deference.

Take your shoes off when entering a Thai home, place of worship and some hotel rooms. Be sure to step over any and all thresholds.
People beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers.
Always use your right hand or both hands to pass or receive and object.
Beckoning or pointing with the index finger is considered bad form. Using your chin or whole hand, palm flat, is the way to go.

People tend to view time in a more relaxed sense for the most part. They put more emphasis on people, relationship, rather than set schedules and deadlines.
Social situations rarely start on time, but are not extremely late either. 20-30 minutes would be normal for something casual like a meal at a friend’s home.
Formal affairs like weddings and funerals can be up to an hour or more late.
An unannounced visit won’t be viewed as an interruption, and your friends will freely share their time, and gladly stop what they are doing to chat.
Trains and buses all generally run according to their scheduled time.

is a very open society in terms of respect for different genders and sexual preferences.
Women are revered as the giver of life and do hold a number of powerful positions in corporate, social, and government life. However, is still somewhat chauvinistic.
As a woman, it is best to avoid touching or sitting next to monks and entering certain areas of

Avoid touching or passing object over the top of anyone’s head as it is viewed as the most sacred body part. Do not touch anyone's head.
Don’t point toe or heel or any part of foot at any person.
Don’t show the sole of your foot or use the foot to move anything as it is viewed as the lowliest body part.
Always use your right hand to pass or receive and object.
Don't put your feet up on a table or any furniture and don't step over anyone sitting on the floor – go around.
Try to never point, especially with your index finger, as it is considered extremely rude.

The legal drinking age in is 20 and the legal smoking age is 18.
Drinking and smoking ages are enforced only in big stores or national chains. There also there are time restrictions for the sale of alcoholic beverages: No sale between 12 midnight, and 11 a.m., and again no sale from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. None of these restrictions tend to be enforced at local mom and pop type stores however.
Possession of illegal drugs is heavily enforced, and carries heavy penalties depending on the class of drug. Marijuana possession can carry a heavy fine, or in large quantities, jail time. Hard drugs will earn prison time for those carrying them, and trafficking in them can even bring the death penalty.

For men: conservative colored suits with shirts and ties. Jackets are not a must but good to have just in case. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off if possible.
For women: skirts and blouses are appropriate. Avoid short, tight fitting, and sleeveless attire. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off if possible.
Jeans and business casual attire are not recommended but may be appropriate in more rural areas.

Titles are somewhat important although he use of first names when addressing someone in quite common. To be safe it is best to address people by using their professional title or Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.
It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into Thai and be sure to present and receive business cards with the right hand only.
Look at business cards you receive them with interest by examining them carefully. It’s best to place them in a holder and be sure to never write on or fold a business card you are given.

Arriving on time for a meeting is important even though they may not begin exactly on time.
Hierarchy is very important in Thai culture, so it is always best to defer to the most senior person in the room when it comes to beginning and guiding conversations.
Periods of silence are considered acceptable and are to be expected. Avoid interrupting, showing displeasure through facial or eye movements and talking over someone. Be patient.

Thai people value relationship building and harmony so avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation. Saving face is paramount.
Decisions come from the top down and can take awhile, so patience is a must.

Gifts are not usually exchanged at a first meeting.
If invited to a Thai person’s house, it is appropriate to bring flowers (marigolds and carnations mean death), chocolates, or fruit.
Gifts are not to be opened when they are received.

The school year usually begins in May, takes a semester break for most of October, and breaks again in the end of March. There are also many Buddhist holidays, three day, four day, and sometimes five day weekends.
Many colleges and universities have a formal dress code. Students usually wear slacks, collared shirts, ties, skirts, and blouses. Jeans, shorts and tank-tops are not usually appropriate.
Most university grades are given on an A-F scale with A being the highest. The minimum passing grade is usually a D.
Lectures are the most common form of teaching.

The guides describe what people tend to do. The work at culturecrossing.net is about what you do.