1. { Thailand Mind your manners

2.  The Thai people are very friendly and smile a lot  Smile back! Smile

3.  Do not touch children or any one on the head (very disrespectful)  Do not point the bottoms of your feet at anyone (or any representation of Buddha)  Step over the door step not on it  When at a house if the host is not wearing shoes, remove your own.  Be extremely respectful of the monks  Do not point at people with your index finger, use your chin General etiquette

4.  The Wai   Raising both hands, palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer, lightly touching the body somewhere between the chest and the forehead   Sign of respect and a greeting   If you are younger or socially lower you offer the Wai first (for our group it would be best if you always did it first)   If the person you are greeting is seated and you are standing or if your head is generally higher then there’s a bow is expected   Once again SMILE! Greetings

5.  Relationships are based around a social hierarchy, with few being equal to each other.  Parents above children, teachers above students, bosses above workers and Habitat representatives above us.  P.S is also based on wealth and perceived status (for example clothing) Social relationships

6.  The spoon is held in the right hand and the fork in the left hand  Sticky rice may be eaten with the right hand as it is dipped in things and used as a spoon  DO NOT use the fork to put food into your mouth, use it to put food on your spoon  Never leave rice left over on your plate  Never take the last of something from a buffet  When you are done, leave a little bit on your plate (not rice) to show that you are full  Do not lick your fingers Table manners

7.  Respect is not given instantly (obtained over several interactions)  Always be respectful and courteous  Non verbal communication is often more valuable then what is actually said  Never be openly angry in public (lose respect and attracts bad spirits)  If angry at someone do the Wai and back away (do not turn your back) Communication

8.  NO PDA  Hand holding and physical contact between members of the same sex in public is allowed PDA

9.  Always respect monks  Women are not allowed to touch them and is frowned upon for men to touch them  Take of shoes when entering a temple  Appropriate clothing is required Buddhism

10.  NEVER say anything about the king or any of the royal family Royalty

11.  In public places at 8 am and 6 pm the Thai hymn will be played over loud speakers.  If you are seated stand up  Be still and quiet Thai hymn