New To Thailand..

[gburns57au]

The wai is used when greeting and leaving the presence of a person of greater social standing than yourself, Monks, school teachers, and high ranked officials, elderly people.

The more important the person the higher the wai.

If an adult wai's to you return the gesture, dont return wai's to kids. There is no need to return the wai of the aircrew on Thai flights.

At temples enter normally, removing footwear before entering, when you sit down do so with your legs tucked under you, watch the locals and follow their lead even if you dont understand what is happenening.

Foot pointing is considered rude, dont stress about normal sitting on chairs, bar stools etc ... If you do something inappropriate someone will let you know by subtle means, usually a disappoving glance or a short Tut sound with a look.

Dont touch someones head unless you know them extremely well, However if you take a BG home and touch her head during the act that is fine, I know some guys who were worried about that.

Be friendly and good natured, Aggression and bad temper is not appreciated, The Thais are very non confrontational. Even if something annoys the ###### out of you, show your disapproval in a quiet and polite manner. This also applies to your dealings with other farangs while there.

The Thais love a good time (sanuk) and so go and have a good time with them.

[lbd2005]

You lot have been amazing! keep the posts coming, I am learning so much.

[lbd2005]

Anyone have anything other to add?

[cdnvic]

....and always...always... wear sunscreen

cv

[Bizz]

You have the right attitude at least. Alot of travellers just assume other cultures should adapt to them, not the other way around.

Thais are pretty tolerant, so as long as you are polite and even tempered (probably the most important), you will get along ok. Good nature, and polite demeanor will get you a long way.

A Few Things To Keep In Mind:

Always have clean socks/feet. It's unusual to wear shoes inside in Thailand.

Don't point your feet at anything.

Don't touch anyone's head, or reach over it.

Beckon with your hand pointing downwards, not up. (Anywhere in Asia)

Dress appropriately when out in public, especially to a govt office or a temple.

NEVER get visibly angry, or shout.

Remember that Thais still smile when angry.

Bargining is like a sport, not a war. Start at 1/2 price and work from there.

Accept the fact that:

-People assume you are loaded, and always want to buy what they are selling.

-You are a curiosity to many, especially children, and will get pointed at.

-You will get charged more for goods than Thais.

-Taxi/Tuk-Tuk drivers assume forgieners never want to walk anywhere.

Learn a bit of the language, the most important will be about greetings, ordering food, and buying goods.

Read through this forum, filter out the cynicism and the ignorance, and like the previous post said, get a good book. Lonely Planet is good, but never take it or any other guide as the gospel.... they tend to be over-cautious.

Then just enjoy your time here.... good luck!

cv

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sound advise from cdnvic

always Wai a cop.

Oh if you fall in love Wai the Mama and Papa once only in morning and at night.

Edited December 15, 2004 by Bizz

[Rhys]

Politeness, courtesy..mate.. a good sense of humor... low expectation.. Lonely Planet is a good start.. not just for back packers... Most important.. ACCEPT your sense of adventure profile.. Cheers mate.. enjoy

[astral]

Politeness, courtesy..mate.. a good sense of humor... low expectation..  Lonely Planet is a good start.. not just for back packers...  Most important.. ACCEPT your sense of adventure profile..  Cheers mate.. enjoy

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That sums it up very well.

Behave like a civilised person, not a lout.

The finer points only come into play, when you get to know real Thai's.

On a short holiday you are unlikely to come that close.

[udon]

Anyone have anything other to add?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, it's considered good form to pick your nose in public, and flick the bogies at the nearest wall