Thailand is warm, welcoming, and full of wonders, but it also has unspoken rules that can catch tourists off guard. From cultural slip-ups to legal surprises, here are 5 things you need to know before you accidentally offend someone or worse.
Thailand, located in the center of mainland Southeast Asia, is a country preferred by many tourists each year. Both luxury travelers, as well as backpackers, come here and everyone finds something suitable to their preferences and budget.
The royal palaces, amazing beaches, the beautiful ancient ruins, and the numerous temples (many famous worldwide), lure many people here each year.
We have, on this site, a guide for Koh Samui, one for Chiang Mai, as well as tips for expats who want to move to Thailand.
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, then these things to know before visiting Thailand will be very useful to you.
We already presented you the best time to visit Thailand and the top places to visit in Thailand in this article, along with a few useful tips, so in this article, we’ll focus on other areas to help you have a great time in Thailand.
Respect the local culture and the royal family
I always emphasize the importance of being mindful of the local culture and customs. Sometimes, what may be normal to you is forbidden or considered impolite in other cultures and countries.
In Thailand, you’ll notice that everyday customs and manners are deeply rooted in respect and tradition. One of the small yet important etiquette tips is to eat with your spoon rather than your fork. While forks are used to push food, the spoon is considered the primary utensil during meals.
Another important custom is to never touch someone’s head. In Thai culture, the head is seen as the most sacred part of the body, and touching it, especially someone else’s, can be considered offensive.
You should also avoid speaking badly about the King or the Royal Family under any circumstances. Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws, and criticizing the monarchy, even in a casual conversation, can result in jail time. You can ask locals respectful questions about the King if you’re curious, but never express personal opinions about the royal family, even if someone directly asks.
Finally, be mindful of your feet. It’s considered highly disrespectful to point your feet toward an image of the Buddha, the King, or another person. When sitting, try to keep your feet tucked away and never rest them on furniture or point them at people or sacred objects.
Visa and Health Declaration Form to travel to Thailand
As always, when visiting a country, it’s important to check the current entry rules and visa requirements.
Many travelers can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days, but others may need to apply in advance. Thailand now offers eVisa and Visa-on-Arrival options for certain nationalities.
To be safe, check the latest information and application guidelines on the official website.
Make sure you have your elbows and knees covered when visiting different locations
Related to the number one element in this article, what to wear in Thailand is an important topic. While the rules are not extremely strict (so you can enjoy your regular clothes), you have to have your elbows and knees covered when visiting palaces, monasteries, temples, wats, etc.
If possible, wear something that covers your knees all the time – and have a thin blouse/jacket for such important attractions.
Some major sites like the Grand Palace offer sarongs or wraps to rent if needed, but it’s best to be prepared.
Have a Bug Spray with You
If you don’t want your Thailand vacation to be cut short because of bug bytes, then you should carry a bug repellent spray with you.
If you are like me – a bit allergic to the most common mosquito! – then you don’t want to be bit by an insect (or more!) from a completely different part of the world and climate. In this case, such a bug spray will help you stay healthy and enjoy each moment of your Thailand vacation.
And an extra mention here: have a pack of tissues (or a bit of toilet paper with you) as you may discover that not all toilets are always replenished with toilet paper.
I admit that this is something I do in any country I visit – I always have tissues with me. Just in case. Better to be safe than sorry!
Pay attention to Buddha images that you may want to take home
Buddha images are everywhere in Thailand, but it’s important to know that exporting Buddha statues is regulated.
Antique or sacred Buddha images are prohibited from being taken out of the country, and even modern or replica statues may require a permit.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to avoid buying Buddha-related souvenirs unless a seller confirms they’re approved for export.
If you want to remain on the safe side, you’d better avoid buying Buddha-related souvenirs altogether. Some of them could be OK to take out of the country, though – you can read here a more detailed article on this topic.
