Summary

  • Don't disrespect the monarchy: Derogatory comments or actions towards the royal family can lead to legal consequences, even for tourists. Show respect.
  • Don't litter: Littering is strongly discouraged in Thailand, fines can be imposed, and it reflects poorly on environmental awareness. Dispose of trash responsibly.
  • Don't disrespect the Buddha: The Buddha is highly respected in Thailand, so avoid touching or imitating the pose of the Buddha, pointing at it, or turning your back to the statue.

Thailand is a popular tourist destination for many, and it's possible to explore Bangkok even during a long layover. While travelers flock there by the thousands, there are many things they should know before they go. Every country has a set of unspoken rules, otherwise known as etiquette, which applies to everyone — tourists and locals alike.

Being from another country might make travelers feel as though they have a free pass when it comes to appropriate behavior in another country. But the last thing anyone wants to do is upset another country's culture or do something that gives a bad impression, and with Thailand being a country of sacred ritual and tradition, and with many temples to prove it, it has some hefty rules.

UPDATE: 2023/12/3 13:55 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

What To Avoid While Visiting Thailand

Thailand is one of Asia's most popular destinations, attracting people thanks to its famous street food, culture, festivals, and beaches. However, when visiting this destination, travelers should follow some etiquette rules and this list has been expanded to include more things to avoid when in the country.

RELATED: 10 Things To Buy In Bangkok If You're Visiting For The First Time

Don't Disrespect The Monarchy

Thailand punishes those who offend the monarchy

Sunset over a night market in Bangkok Thailand
Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash
Sunset over a night market in Bangkok Thailand

Disrespecting the monarchy in Thailand is a serious offense with legal consequences. The Thai monarchy holds a revered place in the hearts of its people, and any derogatory comments, actions, or gestures towards the royal family are strictly forbidden — even among tourists.

Thai citizens and visitors are expected to show the highest level of respect for the monarchy. The Lèse-majeste is a crime in the Thai Criminal Code, and anyone (including foreigners) insulting the country's royals can face 15 years in prison.

Travelers must be aware of and adhere to these cultural sensitivities to ensure a positive and respectful experience in Thailand.

  • Social media: Tourists should be careful when posting something negative about the Thai monarchy on social media, as it can also be considered a crime.

Don't Touch People's Heads

Touching others' heads is inappropriate

Crowds of tourists on the famous Maya Beach in Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Shutterstock / Studio Barcelona
Crowds of tourists on the famous Maya Beach in Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

In Thailand, touching someone's head is culturally inappropriate and considered highly disrespectful. The head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body, and touching it, even in a seemingly innocent manner, is a breach of social norms.

Thai people believe the head is the spiritual center, and physical contact can be offensive. Visitors should refrain from patting or tousling the hair of others, especially elders, to avoid causing discomfort or offense.

  • When encountering children: This gesture is especially offensive when someone touches a baby or a child's head or ruffles their hair.

Don't Throw Trash In The Streets

Littering is a huge offense in Thailand

Trash bin in Thailand
 Firre Jue on Unsplash
Trash bin in Thailand

Littering is strongly discouraged in Thailand, which is celebrated for its natural beauty and vibrant culture. Disposing of trash irresponsibly, especially in public spaces, can result in fines and reflects poorly on environmental awareness.

The Thai government has implemented campaigns to promote cleanliness, including returning trash to tourists. Tourists are urged to respect this cultural ethos by properly disposing of waste in designated bins.

Mindful waste management preserves Thailand's landscapes and fosters a sense of responsibility and consideration for the communities and ecosystems that make the country unique.

Don't Use Drones Without Permission

Drone operators must follow strict rules

A drone view of Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Shutterstock
A drone view of Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Drone operators must register their devices with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Stringent guidelines prohibited drone flights near airports, crowds, and sensitive areas. Compliance with these regulations was crucial, as violations could result in fines or legal consequences.

Drone enthusiasts need to stay informed about the latest rules from the CAAT as regulations can evolve. Individuals should check with official aviation authorities or government sources for the most current and accurate information on drone usage in Thailand.

  • Drones must not fly higher than 295 feet

RELATED: 10 Less-Crowded Unknown Islands In Thailand

Don't Engage In PDA

Public displays of affection are frowned upon

Couple holding hands in front of beach at sunset
Photo by Asad Photo Maldives on Pexels
Couple holding hands at sunset

Those who are frequent travelers to Asia are likely the first to notice that, unlike many other countries, public displays of affection are not overly popular.

In Thailand, the belief is that affection and intimacy happen in private and that public spaces are not there for two people to prove they love one another. Even something as small as holding hands is a rare sight in this country.

  • Although it's not common among locals, holding hands in public is acceptable.

Unless a traveler is on one of Thailand's many beaches, they should also be dressed modestly.

Don't Ignore Dress Codes

Travelers should abide by clothing rules, especially in temples

Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Thailand, a sacred temple that's part of the Thai Grand Palace
Shutterstock
Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Thailand, a sacred temple that's part of the Thai Grand Palace

Thailand is home to many ancient temples, and visiting these sacred places means following strict dress codes. It's viewed as being impolite to wear something exposing excess skin, and things such as mini skirts, crop tops, shorts, and even tank tops are not perceived as proper attire.

Rather, an outfit that includes a long skirt or pants and full-sleeve coverings is the polite form of dress when visiting a sacred space.

  • What not to wear: shorts, sleeveless tops, short skirts or revealing clothing

Don't Touch The Monks

Monks should be respected

Group of young Buddhist monks who are studying in an outdoor class
Photo by Lightscape on Unsplash
Group of young Buddhist monks who are studying in an outdoor class

If temples are considered to be sacred spaces, then the monks are the ones who keep it that way. They're some of the most respected people in Thailand and should be treated as such, even if travelers themselves don't follow the Thai culture.

No physical contact must be made and if one is in a position where they're higher than a monk — such as when a monk is kneeling and someone else is standing — then it's considered polite for the person standing to sit, as well.

Don't Greet People With Handshakes

Handshakes are not common in Thailand

People shaking hands

Cytonn Photography on Unsplash
People shaking hands

Handshakes are commonplace in North America, but not so much in Thailand. Rather than shaking hands, visitors will see something called "wai", which means to put your hands together and slightly bow your head.

This greeting is far better received and common practice, as it means zero contact and a sign of respect for the other person.

  • This rule also applies to nearby countries such as Cambodia

Related: Top 10 Prettiest Destinations in Thailand

Don't Point, It's Impolite

Pointing with hands or feet is not polite in Thailand

Young woman poiting to something

Nathan Dumlao na Unsplash
Young woman poiting to something 

It's not uncommon to hear that pointing is disrespectful, as this is true in many places. However, in Thailand, it's bad form to point with any finger and even with the feet. In Thailand, the feet are viewed as the dirtiest part of the body, making it a sign of significant disrespect to point with them. Pointing with the index finger is a lesser crime, but still just as impolite.

  • Instead of pointing with the index finger, one should use the chin or point with the whole hand

Related: 10 Food Items To Try In Thailand

Don't Disrespect The Buddha

Thailand takes its icons seriously

A tall Buddha Statue
Image by Suket Dedhia from Pixabay
A tall Buddha Statue

Just as tourists wouldn't want another person to come in and disrespect their religious beliefs, no tourist should disrespect those in Thailand. Most of the country practices Buddhism, and the Buddha is highly respected and worshiped there.

Feet should always be pointed away from the Buddha and when taking photos, no part of a person should be touching or imitating the pose of the Buddha.

  • Other behaviors that are disrespectful: Pointing to Buddha using your index finger or feet, turning your back to the statue, or taking selfies with it.