TOUR THAILAND

Thailand: A Guide to proper behaviour
A basic guide to proper behaviour and social interaction in Thailand Thai people put a heavy emphasis on good social manners and politeness so it will help if you understand some of their customs, beliefs and values. Also, should you encounter a problem, remember a gentle smile, speaking softly and exercising patience will work things out in your favour more often than a scowl or raised voice will. When entering a Thai home, or temple, it is customary to remove your shoes. This is not simply a religious custom but has practical cleanliness benefits too. Also, never point your feet at anyone, use it to indicate anything or purposely touch another person with them. Don't be surprised if smaller business establishments also pratice this custom. Some homes, businesses and temples will provide indoor slippers for use only inside their buildings. If offered, you will customarilly see them just outside the main entrance way. Walking in bare feet, socks/footies or indoor provided slippers is acceptable in home, business and temple situations. The King and all the Royal Family both past and present are held in extremely high regard by all Thai people and due respect is required. This also applies to money, or any object bearing the King’s image. Above all, do NOT put your foot on money. Remember that Thailand has and does actively prosecute her Lèse majesté laws. It is a criminal offense to commit any act - verbal, physical or written, that shows insolent or disrespectful behaviour toward any member of the Royal family.
Any insult to the Buddhist religion or Buddha icons or images can carry heavy penalties. Again, respect must be shown at all times and, when visiting temples, appropriate clothing must be worn. When entering a temple you are requested to dress appropriately. Singlets and shorts are not acceptable. Also touching any part of a monk, or his robes, is strictly taboo. Do not climb or recline on religious statues.
A ‘wai’ is when hands are put in front of the face as a gesture of greeting or respect. It has many meanings and visitors are advised only to reply to a ‘wai’ rather than ‘lead the way’. It is never proper to ‘wai’ to servants or children, although it may be appropriate to ‘return’ a wai from a monk .
Always practice caution with your cash and valuables. Such things as passports and credit cards should not be carried externally, and all leading hotels provide secure in-room safes or safety boxes at reception. Shoulder bags and handbags may be especially vulnerable.
It is NOT advisable to drink tap water or brush teeth with it. Bottled water is cheap and readily available. Most all restaurants cook and serve with properly treated water. If you are unsure, ask your server.

If traveling in a taxi always insist that the meter to be used. Use of the meter is obligatory for all taxi trips within the metro Bangkok area. If the driver even tries to bargain for a flat rate - get out and flag down another cab. During the trip, do not nervously ask how much it's going to cost. Your acceptance of any amount the driver mentions could be construed as agreement to a flat rate. Fares for any trip to areas outside of the metro area are negotiable. In this case the fare should be negotiated before you leave, but NOT paid until you arrive safely at your destination. Taxis have a red illumination inside the passenger side of the windscreen, which indicates "available." If you decide to use a tuk tuk, it is usual to negotiate the fare before you begin your journey and then settle upon your safe arrival.

When beckoning or calling waiters and taxis, or anyone else, do so by waving palm facing down -like patting a dogs head. Never clap, snap your fingers, or whistle. These actions and noises are meant to call or summon dogs and animals, not people.

Do not accept offers of food, drink, or free trips from strangers. If a friendly stranger (Thai or not) approaches you for any reason, engage them with a fair amount of caution and don't agree to go anywhere with them or with the friendly tuk tuk driver they have waiting close by.

Learn how to use the toilets properly! Thai plumbing is not designed to cope with toilet paper - the sewage pipes are thinner than in the west and can become blocked easily. Many westerners remain fixed in their own wiping paradigm: many put disgusting smelly toilet paper in the trash; worse, some try to flush the paper and end up blocking the toilets.

The toilets are designed for you to use the spray nozzle (or scoop) to throughly rinse your nether regions with water while you scrub with the left hand. You then need to wash your hands thoroughly - and you will be reminded why you should favor the right hand over the left when handing people stuff.

The paper is just there for you to dry yourself. Thus what goes into the trash isn't anywhere near as disgusting as people think, and it hardly smells at all.

This method seems gross at first to some people, but you get used to it very quickly - and indeed when westerners get home and have to revert to the western method, it can feel like they're not doing as thorough a job as you were in south-east Asia.

Now that you have a little extra knowledge, you will be quite safe and surely not offend any Thais while you are vacationing in Thailand.
Happy travels.