Whoops! Avoiding cultural faux pas when visiting Thailand

[snoop1130]

Thais usually eating together and share food

 

Thailand is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage that attracts millions of tourists every year, certainly as the daily tourist arrivals start to increase agin and airlines add more flights to their schedules.

 

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, there are certain cultural differences that can be difficult for western or other foreign visitors to comprehend. Let’s explore some of the key cultural differences that may be challenging for visitors to Thailand to understand.

 

One of the most noticeable cultural differences is the concept of “face.” In Thai culture, as in other Asian cultures, maintaining face is extremely important. It refers to a person’s reputation, dignity and social status, and losing face can be seen as a major humiliation. As a result, Thai people are often more indirect in their communication, and they may avoid direct confrontation or criticism in order to save face on both sides of the conversation.

 

Visitors to Thailand should be aware of this cultural norm and should try to be sensitive to it when interacting with locals. Being direct, or overly vocal, with criticism of individuals will usually get a reaction that many foreigners will not understand.

 

Another important aspect of Thai culture is Buddhism, the country’s most popular ‘religion’ although there is very little comparison between Buddhism and western, theist religions.

 

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country, and Buddhism is deeply ingrained in its customs and traditions. For example, visitors may notice that many Thai people wear amulets or carry religious charms for good luck and protection. Temples and other religious sites are also considered sacred, and visitors should dress appropriately and behave respectfully when visiting these places. Additionally, visitors should avoid pointing their feet at Buddha images or other sacred objects, as this is considered disrespectful (the head being the most sacred part of the body, the feet the ‘dirtiest’ or lowest).

 

Food is another important aspect of Thai culture, and visitors should be aware of certain customs when dining in Thailand. For example, it is customary to share dishes and take turns serving one another. Visitors should also be aware that Thai food can be quite spicy, and they should be prepared for this when ordering dishes. Finally, visitors should not leave food on their plates as this can be seen as wasteful and disrespectful.

 

Thais will also be astonished if they find out that you’ve been eating alone as eating together is the cultural norm for workmates and families.

 

Visitors should also be aware that public displays of affection are not common in Thai culture, and they should avoid overtly romantic gestures in public. This may be in complete contradiction to what some foreigners see and experience in the country’s red light districts. Police may be warning foreign ladies about bathing topless on the beach but, 100 metres away in a bar there are Thai ladies pole dancing and ping pong shows being promoted – these contradictions are just part of the rich Thai cultural fabric, don’t get too stressed trying to figure it all out.

 

Finally, visitors should be aware of the importance of the Thai monarchy in Thai culture. The Thai royal family is highly revered – and protected by Else Majesty laws . Any criticism or disrespect towards the monarchy can result in serious consequences. Visitors should be careful to avoid making any comments that could be construed as disrespectful towards the monarchy or members of the royal family.

 

There are plenty of other times you may walk into a cultural faux pas, completely unintended and, most of the time, Thais will laugh it off. But just be sensitive to the differences in Thai culture, acknowledge them and don’t feel inclined to criticise them.

 

By being respectful and mindful of these cultural differences, visitors can have a more enjoyable and rewarding experience in Thailand.

 

Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-life/whoops-avoiding-cultural-faux-pas-when-visiting-thailand/

 

-- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-08

 

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[proton]

Misses out the importance of music in Thai culture, as usual and no mention of the common faux -pas- the wai, biggest mistake.

[ThailandRyan]

FACE the all time fall back to not telling someone they are wrong in public.  

 

My GF refuses to send food back as she says the cook will loose FACE. We just don't eat it and never go back.....how can one learn from mistakes if not told.....end of rant.

[Andre0720]

This text as been written probably a few decades ago.... There are so many more aspects of Thai culture or absence thereof beyond these mother goose statements.

[stoner]

no mention of the deeply ingrained corruption and lying aspect of the culture. 

[BangkokReady]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Police may be warning foreign ladies about bathing topless on the beach but, 100 metres away in a bar there are Thai ladies pole dancing and ping pong shows being promoted – these contradictions are just part of the rich Thai cultural fabric, don’t get too stressed trying to figure it all out.

Sure, tell your new Thai friends how you consider go-go bars and ping-pong shows to be a rich part of Thai culture...

[Joe Farang]

1 hour ago, ThailandRyan said:

FACE the all time fall back to not telling someone they are wrong in public.  

 

My GF refuses to send food back as she says the cook will loose FACE. We just don't eat it and never go back.....how can one learn from mistakes if not told.....end of rant.

Ye made the mistake of going into a premises that serves poor food.

Ye learned from the mistake and will not return

 

Why do you say "how can one learn from mistakes" ?

[proton]

Go to the cinema these days and see how many people stand up at the start!

[ThailandRyan]

7 minutes ago, Joe Farang said:

Ye made the mistake of going into a premises that serves poor food.

Ye learned from the mistake and will not return

 

Why do you say "how can one learn from mistakes" ?

If you can't tell someone how something needs to be corrected to cook it rigght or do it right how can they ever learn how to do it right is what I meant.

[BritManToo]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

visitors may notice that many Thai people wear amulets or carry religious charms for good luck and protection.

This is nothing to do with Buddhism.

Thailand is a primitive society that mixes animism and magic (+ a bit of Hinduism) with Buddhism.

[Slip]

8 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

This is nothing to do with Buddhism.

Thailand is a primitive society that mixes animism and magic (+ a bit of Hinduism) with Buddhism.

Such arrogance and ignorance.  Thailand is not a primitive society.  Your views certainly are on this matter as others.  I don't disagree with the small facts you manage to state, just your analysis.  At least you are not talking about females for once.

[NoDisplayName]

2 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

FACE the all time fall back to not telling someone they are wrong in public.  

 

My GF refuses to send food back as she says the cook will loose FACE. We just don't eat it and never go back.....how can one learn from mistakes if not told.....end of rant.

Gosh, that's just as bad! ????

 

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Finally, visitors should not leave food on their plates as this can be seen as wasteful and disrespectful.

 

[ThailandRyan]

17 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

Gosh, that's just as bad! ????

 

 

Not going to eat something that's rancid or undercooked....guess you do.

[Neeranam]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Additionally, visitors should avoid pointing their feet at Buddha images or other sacred objects, as this is considered disrespectful (the head being the most sacred part of the body, the feet the ‘dirtiest’ or lowest).

Farang who have been here for decades should not jump over the food that is on the floor for the monk who are performing a house warming. 

[Neeranam]

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Else Majesty laws

Else is Lese's sister.

[ed strong]

Thais also sau yes alot even if they actually disagree with what you stated or asked. So don't take a yes the same way as you would do if you were conversing with a farang. Can be very confusing especially if negotiating or trying to do business.

 

The class system is very much apparent in Thailand, kinda like the western world was back in the 1920's. Similar with religion and superstition.

[Joe Farang]

3 hours ago, ed strong said:

Thais also sau yes alot even if they actually disagree with what you stated or asked. So don't take a yes the same way as you would do if you were conversing with a farang. Can be very confusing especially if negotiating or trying to do business.

 

The class system is very much apparent in Thailand, kinda like the western world was back in the 1920's. Similar with religion and superstition.

YES

[Joe Farang]

5 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

If you can't tell someone how something needs to be corrected to cook it rigght or do it right how can they ever learn how to do it right is what I meant.

You are not Tarzan or yer man from Avatar. You don't have to explain to the natives how things should work. If they can't work things out for themselves, then that's their problem. Don't try to make it yours.

[Fab5BKK]

6 hours ago, proton said:

Go to the cinema these days and see how many people stand up at the start!

So true, in our local "mega mall", between 5% and 10% stand up, and the trend isn't on the increase (understatement)...

[Bim Smith]

"the concept of “face.” In Thai culture," Where do I begin. 

 

This is prevalent throughout all of South East Asia and based on two concepts. One ,,,, Collectivism, meaning the individual doesn't take responsibility for their actions and that wider society does meaning there is no such thing as individual responsibility and number two cultural narcissism. This is that they give a public delusional and outward public perception of who they are which isn't real and is very different to who they are privately. When they get found out they go into a narcissist rage which is often laced in whataboutisms and attacks on you personally or your own country while never acknowledging they just been rumbled. A very childlike culture. This is why you often hear "you no understand Thai culture". Unfortunately I am all too aware and it can get you in deep trouble so be aware. I have done this a few times especially when I see someone being unkind to an animal. They go into a mortification if outed publicly which is why if someone does something terrible in public the bystanders say nothing and don't call them out. It's fascinating but in my opinion cowardly but it will never be changed.

[Bim Smith]

Why I never eat out with Thai people. The sharing of food and utensils sends me insane. I sit on a table on my own until they finish and eat privately at home. I did it once and I can't eat spicy food. They all helped themselves to what I ordered and left me with nothing and I couldn't eat their spicy food. What's the point in ordering anything. 

 

As for the wearing of amulets that is more superstition than religion. More animism to accurate. 

[ThailandRyan]

4 hours ago, Joe Farang said:

You are not Tarzan or yer man from Avatar. You don't have to explain to the natives how things should work. If they can't work things out for themselves, then that's their problem. Don't try to make it yours.

That's why you walk away and never return to that establishment as I stated in my original post. FACE causes more problems than it solves.

[Phil1964]

"Thai people are often more indirect in their communication, and they may avoid direct confrontation or criticism in order to save face on both sides of the conversation".

<deleted>! My pair, (Mrs and her daughter are like Mike Tyson on steroids), at flaring up and getting all aggressive as soon as they don't like something, or believe that the whole world is against them.

 

Save face on both sides of the conversation!? Nope, Thais believe they are always right and <deleted> what anyone else might think or actually know. 

 

[Geoffggi]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Finally, visitors should not leave food on their plates as this can be seen as wasteful and disrespectful.

The authorities should print this one in Chinese especially at the buffets .........................LOL 

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, there are certain cultural differences that can be difficult for western or other foreign visitors to comprehend.

No misunderstandings down Walking street.

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

FACE the all time fall back to not telling someone they are wrong in public.  

 

My GF refuses to send food back as she says the cook will loose FACE. We just don't eat it and never go back.....how can one learn from mistakes if not told.....end of rant.

As a friend once said to me:

It's not the truth that hurts, it's the shock of hearing it.

[bangon04]

9 minutes ago, Geoffggi said:

The authorities should print this one in Chinese especially at the buffets .........................LOL 

In Chinese culture, if you empty your plate it is a criticism of your host for not providing enough food.

[JayClay]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thais will also be astonished if they find out that you’ve been eating alone

There's nothing like a bit of sensationalism to make a story glow, ah? Never mind accuracy.

 

Maybe 20 years ago I once came across somebody who was mildly surprised, at most, when I told them I was going out to lunch by myself.

 

In this day and age, and certainly in tourist areas, I doubt anybody ever even raises an eyebrow at the concept.

[blueCloud888]

I hope there is a Russian version too. And on a humourous note our most critical faux pas could be our last "pas", when crossing a road in Thailand.

[jacko45k]

2 minutes ago, blueCloud888 said:

I hope there is a Russian version too. And on a humourous note our most critical faux pas could be our last "pas", when crossing a road in Thailand.

Too bloody right.... nearly met my maker very recently!