LOCAL CULTURE
CULTURE
Do not touch a person's head, nor ruffle the hair as the head is the noblest part of the body in Thai culture. A sincere apology should be offered immediately if you touch someone's head unintentionally.
CUSTOM
Avoid placing your feet on the table whilst sitting, and never use your foot to point things out or to touch any part of another's body as it is considered very rude.
ETIQUETTE
Avoid raising your voice, it's considered rude.
RELIGION
Thailand is a Buddhist country and images of Buddha are considered sacred. Sacrilegious acts, such as climbing on a statue or touching an inappropriate area are punishable by imprisonment, even if committed by foreign visitors.
TEMPLES
Dress properly when entering temples. Mini-skirts and shorts are not allowed. Take your shoes off before going inside places of worship. Ladies must not, on any account, touch a Buddhist monk, give things directly to him or receive things directly from him.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Sport
Spectator sport, especially Muay Thai (Thai boxing), is very popular in Bangkok, but it's keeping fit that's really on the rise among urbanites and visitors. If you crave physical exertion during your trip, there’re plenty of parks for working up a sweat in. Golf is also in full swing here, with plenty of courses scattered around Bangkok.
Food
Most Thai food is already cut into small pieces before being served or made soft enough to be cut with a spoon or fork; thus making the knife unnecessary. Salt-shakers are rarely found on the table. The caramel-coloured fish sauce called 'Naam Pla' is generally used instead.
Fruit
You can find many kinds of tropical fruit in Thailand throughout the year. In each month there are different types of fruit. Durien is known as the king of fruit and Mangosteen as the queen of fruit.
Mural Paintings
Classical Thai paintings found mostly inside Buddhist temples and palaces depicting themes relating to Buddhism, such as the Buddha's life story.
WHAT TO PACK
Bargaining
Most street vendors welcome bargaining. Most shops and department stores don't.
Dress
When visiting temples or major attractions please wear formal dress and shoes.
Passport
When visiting nightclubs or bars, please take along your ID card or passport for verification.
VAT refunds
If you are interested in getting a VAT refund, please make sure your goods are available for examination at the airport. Customs officers will want to check all the goods that you have purchased before giving you the refund.