{ Thailand Mind your manners
The Thai people are very friendly and smile a lot Smile back! Smile
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
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
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
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
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
NO PDA Hand holding and physical contact between members of the same sex in public is allowed PDA
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
NEVER say anything about the king or any of the royal family Royalty
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