Social customs
The don’t of Thai social behavior
are less clearly defined than those concerning the monarchy or religion,
especially in a city like Bangkok where Western customs are better
known and more widely accepted. However, what is acceptable in Bangkok
may not be in the countryside where the old ways are still prevalent.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
• Thais do not normally shake hands when they greet one another,
but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called
a Wai. Generally, a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.
Watch how Thais do it, and you will soon learn.
• It is considered rude to point your foot at a person, so try to
avoid doing so when sitting opposite any one, and following the
conception that the foot is a low limb; do not point your foot to
show anything to anyone but use your finger instead.
• Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body both literally
and figuratively. As a result, they do not approve of touching anyone
on that part of the body, even in a friendly gesture. Similarly,
if you watch Thais at a social gathering, you will notice that young
people go to considerable lengths to keep their heads lower than
those of the elder ones, to avoid giving the impression of “looking
down on them. This is not always possible, of cause, but it is the
effort that counts.
• Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned
upon. You may see some very Westernised young Thai couple holding
hands, but that is the extension of displaying of affection in this
polite society.
• Losing your temper, especially in public, will more than likely
get you nowhere. The Thais think that such displays denote poor
manners, and you are more able to get what you want by keeping calm
and concealing your emotions
• Do not be surprised if you are addressed by your first name instead
of by your surname. This is because Thais refer to one another in
this manner, usually with the title “Khun” (Mr., Mrs. or Miss) in
front. Follow the customs of the country as far as possible, and
you will make more friends during your stay.
