Thailand Culture
And The Thai Etiquette And Customs

Thailand Culture - Etiquette - Customs

Thais greet, wish farewell and acknowledge each other with a gesture called Wai.

The hands being held in a prayer like manner, palms pressed together and a slight bow of the head. The Wai is also used to show respect.

The closer the hands are held to the forehead and the lower the bow the more respect is being shown. The Wai is also a way of saying Thank you, or to apologize.

The Wai is initiated by the lower in age or status and responded to by the higher. If there is a large social difference between statuses, the Wai may not be returned.

A Few Reasons Why Thais Smile

amusement
embarrassment
a way of saying thank you
to make friends

Smiling is part of the Thailand Culture and the generous use of wearing a smile will make friends and open doors. It confuses Thai people to see Westerners who are serious looking or even worse, angry. Thais love to smile and good humor and a smile from a foreigner is a nice treat.

Expression of anger, or showing that you are not in control of your emotion, is "losing your face".

A Few Ways To Lose Your Face

talking loudly
waving your hands wildly
pointing your finger at someone
yelling

Theravada Buddhism

Thailand culture is tremendously influenced by Theravada Buddhism and about 95% of all Thai people are Buddhists. Theravada Buddhism is-the Teaching of the Elders- or -the Ancient Teaching. The remaining 5% of the population are about 4.3% Muslims and 0.7% Christians. Buddhism is supported by the Thai government and Monks receive an array of government benefits and are highly respected by all Thais.

Prayer
In Front Of Buddha Statue
Buddha Statue
Buddha Statue Pattaya

Thailand is a Hierarchical Society and as a foreigner you will be given special social status. By learning about Buddhism and the Thailand culture you show that you respect the Thai culture and you surely will have a most memorable time.

The Hierarchical order is subtle but if you pay attention you will notice how Thais treat each other according to their rank in the Hierarchy.

Some Determining Factors Of The Social Status Are

Family Status-The royal family being on top then high, famous and common.
Wealth-Money is number One these days. In Thai society the wealthy is expected to pay the bills.
Education-Higher education more respect. This holds also true if the one with higher education makes less money.
Age-the older you are the more respect.
Career
Within The Family-Parents are superior to their children
Monks-are granted high respect and high social status.

Basic Thai values include the Buddhist believe in Karma. Karma is the believe that things happen to you because of your actions and deeds in a previous Life time but there are also other "spirits" upon which the Thai attitude towards Life rests.

Buddha Statues

Thailand Culture, Customs And Thai Etiquette

Three Of The Thai Spirits

Jai Jen (cool Heart) Thais avoid any public confrontation. Stay Cool!
Mai pben Rai (Never Mind, it can't be helped) Avoid displaying visible irritation and embrace Mai pben Rai!
Sanook (fun) Stay cool, don't worry, and have fun!

Taboos Or No No's

Never speak disparagingly or disrespectful of the Monarchy
Don't deface or step on a stamp or currency displaying the King's portrait
Remove your shoes when entering a house or temple
Wear long pants and long sleeves especially when entering a temple
Women should never touch a monk or give him something directly
Public display of affection is frowned upon
Do not pat someone on the head

When you are near a portrait of the present King Bhumibol, or any King of the past, do not raise your head above the head in the portrait.

Women should not touch monks. It will violate a very important part of a monks vow if a woman touches him, sits next to him, or is giving him something directly.

Wai Not?

You show respect by putting your palms together at chest level in a prayer like manner, and gently bow your head. Older people or those of higher social status receive a lower, more respectful Wai. Younger people and those of lower social status Wai first and the Wai may not always be returned.

Inanimate object which have been blessed by a Brahmin Priest should receive a Wai. These objects include spirit houses and miniature temples which house the spiritual guardians of the land on which the house or temple resides.

From Head To Toe

An ancient Hindu belief which is now incorporated into Buddhism explains the head as the most sacred part of the body and the feet the most unclean. It is very disrespectful to pat someone on the head.

Since the feet are considered the most unclean of the human body, do not point your feet towards an image of Buddha and don't point your feet at another person. Take your shoes off when entering a temple or someone's house. Shoes are considered even more unclean than feet.

Worship
Thailand Culture And Places Of Worship
Temple
Thailand Culture And Temples

Stop, Stand And Deliver

The national Anthem is played every morning at 8 a.m and the Thai Flag is raised. Every evening at 6 p.m. The national anthem is played again and the Thai flag is lowered. Be respectful of Thailand's national custom and stand up and be still as long as the national anthem is playing.

The anthem may be played before movies, at public events, in the bus station, in the market place, or just about anywhere. Especially in smaller cities everything comes to a standstill when the national anthem is being played. Participate.

Thailand Culture And Related Pages

Buddha Mountain
The largest Buddha Image in the world. 30 minutes drive from Pattaya
Pattaya Big Buddha
Big Buddha Pattaya. The largest Buddha statue in Pattaya City.