Thai Culture Tips

Every culture is different and body language plays a huge part in some cultures. The Thai culture is no different with unique practices and beliefs. The majority of Thai people practise Buddhism. The religion is a daily influence of Thai values and their everyday life activities. Showing respect and self-control are important values of Thai culture. Below is a guide to a few basic Thai culture tips for your visit to the land of smiles Thailand. When in doubt about the culture take your lead from the locals.

Shoes in Thailand

Thailand is a flip-flop zone. The Thais do not wear shoes in their homes. Take off your shoes before entering a Thai temple or home. The shops in Thailand also expect you to take off your shoes this is generally sign posted on the door. If in doubt look at the floor if there are shoes at the door take yours off. The feet and shoes are considered dirty in Thai culture. Don’t worry your shoes may go missing this does not happen. For the tours to the hills and waterfalls of Samui. take a sturdy pair of shoes for hiking and walking. You may have to take your shoes off numerous times a day so lace-up shoes can be an inconvenience.

Hand and Feet Gestures

Pointing is considered rude in Thai culture. To gesture turn your hand with the palm facing upwards and fingers together facing downwards. Your feet are the lowest part of your body and the dirtiest part of your body in Thai culture. Do not point with your feet upwards keep them flat on the floor. When sunbathing your feet will point upwards this is acceptable and unavoidable. Never point your feet or hands to Buddha this is the highest form of disrespect.

Food Etiquette Thai Culture

Eating is a time for Thai families and friends to come together and socialise. Typical in Thai culture, several dishes are in the centre of the table and shared with everyone. It is bad manners to use your personal spoon and not the serving spoon provided. Rice is a stable source of the Thai diet. The wastage of rice is frowned upon in Thailand only take what you will eat. Leaving rice in the bowl It is impolite disrespectful to the hosts to leave rice in your bowl. In Thailand the spoon is for eating the fork is to put the food on the spoon.

Clothing Choices

Beach Attire

Skimpy clothing and bikinis are for the beaches of Koh Samui. Wearing skimpy clothes in public is disrespectful to Thai people especially the elder generation. In Thai culture despite what you may see modesty is the dress code. You may think this is hypocritical as Thailand has lady bars with skimpily dressed girls. Bikinis are for the beaches of Samui not on the back of scooters or in temples. Skimpy g-strings and topless on Koh Samui beaches is disrespectful to Thai people and to their culture.

Temple Dress Code

Temples (Wats) are religious sites and places of worship on the island. The Temples display signage with the appropriate dress code it is not optional it is expected. Cover your body appropriately and remove your shoes before you enter the temple. Do not wear revealing swimwear or clothing, especially skimpy bikinis. Cover your arms and legs to your elbows and knees.

Bars/Restaurants Dress

Very few bars have a dress code in Koh Samui. If you dine in a 5* restaurant you wouldn’t wear swim clothes or inappropriate clothes. Dress appropriately for the establishment you are visiting as you would in your home country.

Do you have a culture mishap story to tell? Have you any tips or advice to share about your cultural experience in Koh Samui? Share your comments and reviews below.