When it comes to coming to a country, you have to know that you are a guest. And many things that seem "normal" to us might not be so elsewhere.
For example, we can mention the famous kiss to say hello or, failing that, a handshake, when here, we greet each other with joined hands, what we call the Wai. A highly codified gesture originating in Namaste India.
Coming across an article (which no longer exists, but the sentences in quotation marks are the "originals, spelling mistakes included) which succinctly described a list of things not to do in Thailand, I wanted to provide some clarification by adding my experience because I find that there are some inaccuracies.
15 Things Not to Do When Coming to Thailand
1)
"Do not criticize the King or the royal family. In Thailand this type of behavior is not just considered rude: it is a crime against the monarchy that can be punished by a prison sentence!"
This is true in practice, but in theory it takes more than just a casual word that would not be sufficient evidence in court unless your conversation is recorded. But with the advent of social media, everything is scrutinized and having inappropriate words on Facebook can quickly get you into trouble. It seems wiser to refrain from criticizing, it wouldn't bring anything to the country that welcomes you anyway.
2)
"Don't do drugs. This is no joke. If you are caught in possession of drugs you will have the choice between paying a very large bribe to the police or ending up in prison for several years."
And there, I can only confirm, in France there is rather laxity in this area, but here, some foreigners have been languishing for some time even for a little weed… After that it's you and your luck. Some reggae bars on the islands hardly hide the fact that they are places to "relax", but just come across the wrong day when the police decide to raid and you will quickly come to your senses…
3)
“Never let a tuk-tuk or taxi driver take you to a gem shop. These kinds of schemes always end the same way: you are forced to buy at an inflated price.”
It's more of a waste of time that's all, I've never really heard that you're really going to be "forced" to buy, thrown out because you don't buy that yes... On the other hand, don't let yourself be fooled by drivers who give you the excuse of "Buddha day", or something else, to pretend that the Grand Palais or Wat Pho are temporarily closed, always go and check for yourself, there are public holidays and ceremonies involving a closure (more often the Grand Palais, and generally only in the afternoon), but as it remains rare, it's certainly false 😉
4)
“Do not overstay your visa. In Thailand you will be fined 500 THB per day overstayed and if you cannot pay, you will end up behind bars.”
This seems obvious... Knowing that the fine is especially valid if you present yourself to immigration, if you are checked in the street or elsewhere and your visa has expired, the fine and the consequences are likely to be heavier (even more so since the rules were tightened in 2015).
[Updated August 2015]
Note that there is a ceiling of 20 baht for the overstay fine. They will be a little less picky if the overstay is found when leaving Thailand via an international airport, like a day might not be counted, on the other hand, even exceeded by a few hours, an overstay of one day will be counted if passing by land…
The rule prevails as follows:
If you present yourself to the immigration office with a:
– Overstay of less than 90 days = 1 year ban on entering Thailand
– Overstay of less than 1 year = 3 years ban on entering Thailand
– Overstay of less than 3 years = 5 years ban on entering Thailand
– Overstay of less than 5 years = 10 years ban on entering Thailand
If you are randomly checked while in an overstay situation, you will be arrested with the following consequences (at a minimum):
– Overstay of less than 1 year = 5 years ban on entering Thailand
– Overstay of more than 1 year = 10 years ban on entering Thailand
5)
"Don't point your feet at a Thai person. This action is very rude and could get you into trouble: it's silly but that's the way it is."
It is important to know that the noble part of the body is the head, which is why it is normally frowned upon to touch children's heads. Conversely, the feet represent the most impure part… In practice, it is not often that we on the occasion of point your foot at someone… On the other hand, it is the same reason why You should not stretch your legs towards a Buddha statue., but fold them on your knees, and that is better observed. In some temples, a guard will be able to call you to order if you relax your legs in the direction of the Buddha.
Afterwards, it's no more "idiotic" than when we say "we don't point at someone, it's impolite".
6)
"Don't drive without a helmet or a valid license, or worse, while drinking. In addition to the fine that hangs over your head, a traffic accident in Thailand usually ends dramatically: it must be said that Thais are crazy drivers and when they hit, they hit hard!"
It's the same thing in France! So there is no reason to do otherwise and it seems obvious! However, when I see these young kéké (I don't see what else to call them) carefree, riding anyhow (especially on the southern islands), without helmets and even without a proper license, it exasperates me... And even ordinary tourists, probably just trying to "imitate" the Thais and "let loose", also tend to ride without helmets, sometimes as a family with their children, 3 on the scooter...
I feel like literally throwing spokes in their wheels and I feel little pity when I see one lying on the road (even if it won't always be the culprit, let's put things into perspective, but this kind of situation happens more often than you think!).
Good grief, but why would you wear a helmet at home and not here!? Stop trying to be "like them", you will certainly not be better perceived/appreciated... And because you are not at home, even if they do not always respect their laws, it is certainly not up to you, as a guest, to flout them!
More generally, I would say that in terms of driving, there is worse than Thai driving in terms of "disorganization" (see in India or Vietnam), but Thailand unfortunately has a very high number of road deaths worldwide (sometimes at the top of the list, with a ratio of more than 35 deaths per 100 inhabitants, a sad record...) due to a fast and uninhibited driving style, especially motorcycles. And that represents a whopping 000 deaths per year! So tourists are also part of the lot, due to lack of experience and if not wearing a helmet...
Click here to learn more about driving in Thailand
7)
"Don't sunbathe topless! Such an initiative on your part would be very badly received by Thais (especially Thai women)."
It depends on where specifically, if you go to a small beach in the depths of Thailand, I'm thinking in particular of the far south where the Thais are predominantly Muslim, well there, yes, it could be frankly frowned upon, but on the tourist beaches of Phuket, Samui etc... I don't think it will be particularly "badly experienced".
8)
“Don’t wear your shoes inside. In Thailand, it is customary to remove your shoes inside temples and homes. Not doing so is impolite.”
Having already asked the question, it is not strictly speaking rude, but just obvious to me. do not dirty inside the house… For temples, it’s different, there, it’s a custom that goes beyond not dirtying the temple…
9)
"Don't show affection in public. In Thailand, public displays of affection are frowned upon: Siamese twins are very modest."
This remains true if you plan on kissing your other half greedily. After holding hands, waists, hugging each other a little is not frowned upon and has even become quite common (even between good friends, where they tend to hold each other by the shoulders more easily than we would). It is however true that despite the fact of being able to come across girls in tight shorts (it's hot), well yes, Thais are modest (you only have to see the “love” scenes in their soap opera, ridiculous or even non-existent…)
10)
“Don’t have unprotected sex. AIDS is very common in Thailand so be sensible for your own sake.”
Another obvious fact that remains true everywhere, AIDS still exists so protecting yourself when you don't know your partner well enough seems essential. After Thailand has done a big job of prevention and the situation is no longer the same as in the 90s when it was a disaster.
11)
“Stay cool. In Thailand, people who are not able to control themselves are generally considered idiots. Never lose your cool and show firmness with a smile if necessary.”
It is true that it is not always easy to keep calm. Whether it is misunderstandings, a scam, or sometimes just the slowness of the Thais, there are several reasons that could exasperate you. But once again, you are here as a guest, respect their way of life, take it upon yourself and relax a little!
Otherwise, indeed (because you shouldn't always overdo it either) speak firmly, without necessarily raising your voice, and if possible, with a smile 😉 It's the Thai attitude, it's the same as the famous "face" that you shouldn't lose. Don't make a Thai lose face because there it could end badly...
12)
"Don't negotiate the fare with taxis. In Thailand, the law requires taxis to have a meter. The price will always be cheaper on the meter than negotiating on the fly."
Exact, always ask for the "meter" otherwise close the door and take another one, there is no shortage of taxis... After some will sometimes refuse to take you at all, there too, a law has just been passed to force them to take any passenger. You can normally take their license plate number and report them to the police if they refuse you... In practice, I think that few people do it (from a tourist point of view, the locals are starting to complain).
The refusal to take you can be linked to several parameters. Sometimes, it is simply laziness, sometimes because they are at the end of the working day and the place where they have to take you is at the antipodes of their home, or sometimes the full tank of gas that they have left will be insufficient knowing that there is no gas station in the requested direction (there are not on every street corner), the great classic being "there are traffic jams over there" ... Yes ... the reasons are not necessarily good, but in any case, it is difficult to stay on the floor for a long time given the number of taxis per inhabitant.
13)
“Never leave your passport as a deposit. If someone asks you to leave your ID as a deposit, leave a photocopy.”
It is generally always recommended to have photocopies of your passport with you, even if it is lost or stolen. However, the deposit will not always be accepted if it is only a photocopy, especially if the rental company is a small shop. Basically, you should know that this practice of withholding your passport is illegal, in the sense that you are always supposed to have it on you (in case of a police check in particular). To overcome this, negotiate a cash deposit, this can also be done and should not pose a problem, otherwise change stores, in general there is plenty to choose from.
14)
"If you are a woman, never touch a monk! It is strictly forbidden."
Yes, but in practice, you are not necessarily aware of this and the consequences will therefore normally be minimal. Conversely, if a monk starts to touch you voluntarily, ladies, be careful... because it is indeed abnormal. I am teasing a little but let's say that the latter must normally show restraint towards the female gender. This is why when you have certain temples with monks present to make blessings and provide a bracelet on the wrist, the most "rigorous" will not directly put the bracelet on your wrist for you ladies, but will ask an assistant, not a monk, to attach it to you or do it yourself when they attach it on the wrist of men.
15)
“Don’t throw your trash on the ground. A cigarette butt thrown on the ground can result in a fine of 2000 THB. Be very careful in Bangkok because the most corrupt police in Thailand are there and they like to watch for farangs and follow them until they commit an offence. Then they come after you.”
This makes sense., same thing in France, the streets are not a trash can. And even if sometimes, especially in the evening, the streets tend to be littered with piles of trash near street restaurants (before being picked up at night), that's no reason to have a minimum of respect. From there to saying that you are downright followed to jump on the "mean disgusting farangs", don't push it either... (and the most rotten police officers, to use the words of the original author, are not only found in Bangkok).
Bonuses
16) Do not import electronic cigarettes (including for personal use)
Here we enter the realm of law (which I would have to write an entire article about), but given recent events (2019), it is preferable to talk about it and issue a warning:
DO NOT TAKE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE, a French woman recently paid the price in tasting Thai prisons, enough to vaccinate her forever against this country, for lack of having informed herself in advance (it is however displayed in many public places).
Generally speaking, smoking is frowned upon and prohibited in many public places, including beaches, if you can, refrain, it's a good opportunity to try to quit 😉
There you have it, opinions, your reactions, I'm all ears! Don't hesitate to comment!
Tony
Hi Romain,
It's a good idea to go over all these things to respect.
Despite my stays in Bangkok and the fact that I am attentive to the customs and traditions of the country, I did not know this story of pointing with the feet.
I'll pay attention to that next time.
Regarding taxis, I have already experienced more than 6 refusals in a row to trigger the famous "meter" in tourist areas.
There are so many tourists who get discouraged in trying to win their case that they give up and pay a high price.
The most unscrupulous taxi drivers know this and take advantage of it.
I didn't know that a law requiring them to take a passenger had just been passed. Let's hope that this is a minimum respected.
In any case, hats off to your blog! There has been a lot of content since 2008. I am not disappointed with the trip and I will come back. 🙂
Roman
Hi Tony!
Thanks for my blog, I tried to do something coherent, blogging is not easy!
Since 2008 there are certainly quite a few things but everything is a bit disorganized but I am rethinking
how to improve all this (according to my article on Thailand and Asia version 3.0)
There are actually quite a few little things in everyday life in Thailand that have their “codes” that can be useful to know.
By the way, let me know next time you plan to pass through Bangkok!
For taxis, the law in question is ineffective because in practice few people bother to apply it, they don't want to have to wait at the police station, etc.
But it's true that some people are stubborn about the meter... And even when speaking Thai, some people insist on asking for a fixed amount...
Thanks again! If you come back I will (finally) put online the articles about our stay in Sri Lanka and India!
Haydée@Travelplugin
I realize I did some stupid things in Bangkok!
Roman
Let's just say that there are some bullshits that are more important than others, but these are things that are better to know before coming, now you'll be aware!
JR
I just discovered your blog, and I read the 15 things not to do. So I apologize but I laugh about not throwing your cigarette butt or anything else on the ground, because the Thais do that from morning to night and from night to morning, they are people who have no respect for the environment, I would even say that they are dirty people. Anyone who says otherwise must be blind. I have lived here for several years and if necessary I can show it to anyone who does not believe it.
Other than that I really like this blog.
Regards
JR
Roman
Small clarification anyway but the remark applies to foreigners first and foremost, except I don't see under the pretext that Thais do that that we should be embarrassed and throw our cigarette butts and other things everywhere, that's what I write in my personal clarification, it's a question of common sense in my eyes. Moreover when you say that they are dirty I would rather say "neglected", a nuance certainly but think for example of India or even just Vietnam, there yes they are dirty. Thailand is certainly far from being super clean but it doesn't go to excess (but hey it's true that many places including the canals of Bangkok and even some beaches among others are unfortunately disgusting it must be said)
Thanks for the compliment though!
Rattana@Travel Laos Cambodia
There are quite a few things not to do in Thailand that are also not to do in Laos, a neighboring country 🙂
Nice blog 🙂
Roman
This seems normal, as a neighboring country they actually have a fairly similar culture, especially in the part called Issan (northeast of Thailand) which borders Laos. Thanks for my blog!
Food
Hi and very nice blog, I just have one question: are there really people who have been locked up for criticizing the royal family?
Roman
Hello and thank you! Yes, the law against the crime of lèse majesté is the harshest in the world. A well-known case is for example that of Lerpong Wichaikhammat for having made available on his blog a biography banned in Thailand on the king.
John Alright
Thanks for the advice. Thailand has very strict laws indeed. That may be why we've seen some excesses lately. Pointing your feet is also considered disrespectful, even an insult in other countries as well. As everywhere, you have to keep yourself informed / learn the customs of a country before going there.
Roman
It is indeed the least we can do, finding out a minimum about what is good or not to do in the country we are visiting is the least polite thing we can do.
Julien
Hi Romain,
Very good list of advice, I would add to avoid physical conflicts with the Thais because it can degenerate. On the one hand they are not afraid of death and on the other hand they are unpredictable with hot blood.
I confirm that the Bangkok police are really rotten and only think about fleecing tourists.
See you soon
Julien
Ps: for the beer we'll do it again because we're in Prachuap Khiri Khan
Roman
Hi Julian,
Indeed, even when you know you're right, it's better to keep a low profile when faced with an angry Thai... it's frustrating but more prudent, just last week I saw a taxi driver who was angry because he was cut off or something like that, get out of his car with an iron bar to go and hit the other one who drove off, leaving his car in the middle of the road to avoid conflict...
No worries about the beer, keep me posted!
Have a good stay !
Jenzinha
Hi! I saw a similar article (probably the original one in fact), and I was shocked by the comments about AIDS… It seems obvious that we need to protect ourselves, whether we are in a high-risk country or not! The disease is everywhere…
For the rest, I'll take note, I've never been to Thailand yet but it won't be long now, and such advice will help you adapt a little better I think!
Roman
Glad that the article reworked in my sauce is useful! If you have any questions regarding the preparation of your future trip, do not hesitate!
Travel in Thailand
Great article, it's a change from the "15 things to do in Thailand" seen and reviewed!
Funny story about not pointing at someone
Roman
Thank you! Let's say it's complementary, to do, or not, at least we know what to expect.
BOUBERRIMA
Hi Romain 🙂
Your blog is great, I haven't stopped looking at it for a week now!!!
In about two weeks, my sister and I are leaving for Thailand, we are also going to Cambodia and Vietnam.
I have taken note of the 15 commandments 🙂 as you say you have to travel in a cool way and that is what we will do.
I will surely come back to you for further information. Thank you.
EXIT
Hi again Romain, it's better if you call me by my first name 🙂 it's my name that came out. It's not a big deal.
EXIT
Roman
Hi Saida,
Thank you, thank you, it's a pleasure to be able to help and inspire! I hope you fully enjoy your stay in Asia! Don't hesitate to come and say hello when you're in Bangkok!
Roman
Re, I suspected it 😉
Julie
Hi Romain,
Indeed, your blog is very nice, I just discovered it. I will soon leave New Zealand, where I will have stayed for 10 months, to go through Australia, Japan and Thailand. These are my first trips alone (and my first at all in fact ^^), and I am trying to find out as much as possible about my future host countries. I have a lot of questions in mind, I was wondering if I could ask you for information if I need it :-).
Roman
Hi Julie!
Thanks! The blog is also there for that so if you have any questions, don't hesitate (come say hello when you're in Bangkok!) See you later.
Lousberg Guy
Hi Romain
Thank you for your advice and your sharing via this blog, we are a couple in our forties, Belgian, and we are starting our research first of all for a "holiday" trip to Thailand at the end of the year, but also to project ourselves into the idea of a future move there,
We are tired of this pressure that we live here in Europe, we aspire to a little happiness and simplicity of life, which seems to me to be possible in Thailand.
If we have specific questions, can we ask them to you?
thank you in advance
Lousberg Guy & Guillaume Corinne
Roman
Hi Guy,
Thank you, it's a good initiative to "test" what life is like here before settling here.
The blog is also there for that, if you have any questions, don't hesitate!
Roman
fairouz
Hello,
Like the previous users, I think your blog is great!! Well done for all this work 🙂
I was wondering if there were things to avoid for a young woman traveling alone (you will have understood, this is my case ^^) particularly in terms of security...
There you go, and thanks again for all this advice 🙂 Good luck
Roman
Thank you! This is one of the advantages of Thailand (and Asia in general) it is rather safe for tourists and therefore for young single women too. In very touristy places you just have to use common sense and avoid drinks from strangers (especially at parties like full moon).
leindecker
Hello Romain,
Thanks for all the advice,
D-9 for our departure for Thailand, your blog is fun, practical and nice to read without taking you seriously.
Congratulations on this fabulous work.
Michelle & Agathe (mother & daughter)
Roman
Hello and thank you! Always appreciated to have positive feedback on the usefulness of the blog 😉
Have a nice stay in Thailand!
Mathieu
Thank you for this advice, it can always be useful. We never find out enough about things not to do in certain countries, especially when they are countries where the customs are totally different from ours.
Roman
Indeed, it may be better to know the customs and traditions, this shows a mark of respect and avoids certain problems.
Color
Hello to you.
Thanks for all the advice, it's an eye opener for newcomers and others who may not be familiar with local customs. Regarding not pointing your foot at another person, this is understandable as the foot is the dirtiest and lowest part of the body and therefore unclean.
Similarly, you should not touch a child's head because it is the upper body, so the part can be the most considered.
Finally, regarding the fines, I find it deplorable. Not because we have to rot the streets, but we are falling into a system of denunciation just like in the time of the collaborators. As you rightly noted above, the cops and other potential lambdas follow the tourists to get a commission while the street behind them is a real dump. I have lived in Switzerland, Singapore, Germany, and there cleanliness, discipline, the responsibility of each person is a question of morality, education and not the fact of denouncing one's neighbor to get money. I say yes to the responsibility of each person, but a big no to this Stalinist system.
But still... a Thai can't stand being humiliated and losing face even if he's wrong. He's capable of the worst. I once had to jump off a bus in Bangkok after having surprised and notified a guy a little loudly who had his hand in my backpack. He ended up talking louder and louder, then took out a chisel and lots of people were running out, I quickly understood that I had to save my skin.
Also regarding overstaying the authorized time in Thailand with a tourist visa, it cost at the time 200 baht per day overstayed. No question of going overboard. I met an old Frenchman who was weeks or even months late and who was never able to pay, so was never able to leave Thailand.
For driving, Bangkok is probably warmer. The rest, you can rent your motorbike or car, the traffic is very affordable, but of course, you have to go out covered.
Sawatdee khrap.
Khun lio
Roman
Hello,
I already mentioned in the article how the head and feet are perceived by the Thais 😉 Renting a motorbike is common, but many daredevils who are not used to local driving get scratched on the roads and visit local hospitals… So be careful, in Bangkok that's why I opted for the car, less risky (less exposed in the event of an impact…)
GROBON JULIECELINE
Hello Romain,
To know a little about Thai culture (from the family there), I must say that your article is true and very well summarized! It makes me happy to see that you are respectful of this beautiful country.
Thanks for your blog and all your info!
Julie-Celine
Roman
Thank you Julie-Céline, it's a pleasure to see confirmation that the article is correct!
fabrice
Hello Romain
Is it difficult to open a bank account in Thailand?
Roman
Hello,
Not necessarily, you just have to be patient 😉 By default, many banks ask for a work permit but by visiting other branches (so same bank but another office) you can be offered an account with only a passport. Knowing that here again, some ask for at least a long-term visa (non-immigrant), others, you can get an account even with a tourist visa…
Grialou
Be very careful of corrupt police officers, I had the experience following a small collision without any damage to a scooter
And a policeman from Koh Phangan Island who was passing by tried to make me pay for a scratch on the party's scooter.
Third. This scratch was nothing but dust and when I wiped it with a little saliva, he was mean and dishonest by yelling at me.
Without me understanding what he was saying.
It was obvious that he didn't like tourists.
Retail Patricia
Can you help me. I had to cancel my trip to Thailand for serious health reasons. I paid for my room in a hostel in Kho Chang for the 5 weeks I wanted to stay. 583 euros. I sent by email my bank details (RIB with IBAN and SWIFT) given by my bank, not by the ATM. With the date and stamp of this bank. However, the owner, a Dane, tells me that the numbers are wrong "wrong" as he says. My bank, consulted several times, answers that it is impossible, that the numbers are correct. The owner of the hotel is stubborn. I have the right to ask myself the question: does he really want to reimburse me? What should I do, have you encountered this problem? Please help me.
Patricia
Roman
Hello,
Sorry for what is happening to you…. I have never encountered this kind of problem… because I usually go through booking sites like Agoda and Booking. Otherwise directly on site but never via a payment with RIB… Concretely you were debited is that right? And he, under the pretext of wanting to keep the money, tells you that the numbers are wrong and that he cannot reimburse you? It all seems dishonest to me… But I am afraid I can help you more.
Retail Patricia
Thank you Romain, yes that's right! I don't know who to contact to win my case. Because I'm afraid I won't be reimbursed. Thank you to anyone who knows how to do it, who to contact.
Ced
Hi Romain, thanks for your advice. I'm going with friends in May and we've decided not to go through tour operators in France. Do you have any ideas for places or advice to offer us? We're arriving in Bangkok and want to spend 2 days in Punkt and we're staying 2 weeks.
Roman
Hello,
I invite you to look at the article dealing with itinerary ideas, it might inspire you 😉
6 itinerary ideas in Thailand
Ziyad
Hello and first of all thank you for all this information, however for the helmet I do not agree with your idea, know that the helmets provided with the rental scooter rentals are very dangerous and will be of no use in the event of a fall, on the contrary they will make the situation worse because a helmet that is not the right size and that only covers the upper part of the skull is of absolutely no use, word of a biker I have seen CE standard full face helmets crack at very low speed less than 50 km/h so this kind of helmet which has difficulty staying on the head when riding is of no use and then it is really a shame to see a person like who seems very helpful wanting to put spokes in the wheels of young people I always wear the helmet out of respect for the country that welcomes me and I would rather put spokes in the wheels of these old pigs who take advantage of the misery of young Thais by treating them like slaves this behavior is not seen in young people keke as you say who are more respectful of women and will never touch children unlike most old fools who come alone to this country and I think that the Thais will be of the same opinion as me
Ziyad
I advise you to contact the Thai tourist police, they don't joke about fraud by phone, for them it's a short number 1155, I don't think it's accessible from abroad but they probably have a number with which you can reach them, there are expatriates who live there who work for it will be easy to communicate with them, a person can very easily lose their license if a scam is proven, I advise you to look for their contact and play the bluff with this scammer, I hope you get your money back and above all I wish you a good recovery, courage for these difficult tests
Roman
Hello,
While I agree on the quality of the basic helmets provided with rentals (I also recommend investing in a better helmet if the rental period is long enough), I do not agree on the substance. Wearing a helmet seems so "normal" to me that I do not understand this tendency to "reject" it... As if it were a defect or a shame to wear something that is supposed to protect you. I saw another dead person on the roads on New Year's Eve and I am not ready to change my mind on the subject.
And beyond that, what bothers me the most is the simple ignorance of the law, a helmet has been mandatory since 2010, period, there is no arguing. And if it is true that it is difficult to respect in Thailand, given the many infractions noted every day, we also quickly understand why Thailand is number 2 in the number of road deaths.
I am not trying to throw spokes in the wheels, but I would like to recall the possible trauma of an accident, both for the person having it and for those who would be spectators. Please also do not fall into the caricature of the man coming to Thailand alone.
Muste
Hello Romain,
It reassures me that you say that Asia is safe in general. My daughter wants to go backpacking alone from September to January and I am not at all reassured!
Roman
Hello,
I confirm, no need to worry, many come to Thailand alone including girls, after that it's like everywhere, a minimum of vigilance to avoid problems but overall very safe.
Muste
I just realized that the blog is 8 years old. Has anything changed there?
Roman
Hello,
So a small "correction", if the blog was created 8 years ago, it is still up to date and still active. In other words, this information is all the more up to date (and moreover, the article itself was published 5 years ago, not 8), while these are reflections on the customs and traditions of the country, which have no reason to change in only 8 years (on a country scale, it doesn't change that quickly!)
Muste
Great! Thanks for the info!
Nataly
Is it true that you can't have an e-cigarette with you and lose your mind or is smoking allowed???
thank you for the answer
Roman
Let's say that in principle it's better to do without it, I've seen Thais smoking it, after all the country doesn't like smokers generally so there are quite a few bans in public places etc. Maybe the opportunity to take a break 😉
Beard
Good evening, impossible to know what happens to a Thai who is found guilty of having killed a tourist in an accident, thank you for your response, the tourist after hoptosia, no hitchhiking, no drugs and no traffic violation, thank you
Roman
Good evening, if he is found guilty (if there is proof), he will unfortunately very rarely have to pay compensation, due to lack of means, and the punishment is rarely too severe when a foreigner is involved, because he is often considered to be at fault even if this is not the case...
fabee
Hello Romain
Everything you explain is very interesting, I have been living in Thailand for 30 years, I am a teacher in the private sector, I teach French, English and Thai. I can assure you that there is a definite difference between your vision of Thailand and mine, lived day by day for over 30 years, this country is evolving quickly and too quickly, although many people do not follow this technological advancement, the two important things in the life of some Thais are
the smart-phone and the television a basic image but still very real today. One day soon the research centers on the internet will replace the teachers. Anyway I like this country very much and I love the Thais.
Please continue your advice is wise and can prevent more or less serious errors for newcomers. Thank you
Roman
Hello,
Thank you very much for your testimony and encouragement, as a long-time expatriate that you are, it particularly touches me! The fact that the article in question is already almost 4 years old, but, indeed and you are right, things are changing quickly; too quickly.
The smartphone and especially the obsession with its appearance and selfies are unfortunately clear proof of this...
Bohn Clelia
Hello,
I just saw on the TV news that a woman on vacation with her family was arrested and put in prison for using an electronic cigarette. She stayed there in very bad conditions. They had to pay up to €8500 to get her out of there and leave the country. You absolutely have to add this information to your list.
Sincerely
Roman
Hello,
Done, thanks for the advice, even if this section concerning the laws of the country deserves an article on its own.
Helen
Can you leave your passport at the hotel and travel with a copy?
Roman
If there is a non-removable safe, yes, it is possible.
Home
Hello
To complement your excellent advice.
In your tip #5, you talk about feet but you don't mention "Do not touch the head of a Thai person, especially a child" and perhaps a few lines about the WAI which replaces the handshake...
cordially
Home
Roman
Hello,
It's added, thanks for the note! I thought I had at least talked about the children's heads but no...
Vincent
Very well summarized, congratulations for your article which will perhaps help some people to avoid doing stupid things?
Roman
Thank you !
Jessy
The worst is in Pattaya and by far with the army it has improved and the law is more and more respected
Roman
I guess by "the worst" you mean driving without a helmet? To which I would say that any party place and by extension, islands and seaside towns are more conducive to "bad" behavior. People sometimes give their brains too much rest while on vacation...
Jérôme
Hello, from my little experience over the past ten years, outside of big cities, I think that the list can be extended (and I am far from being able to make it exhaustive).
1-For those who go off the beaten track, when you go to the countryside, avoid going topless. Although it is very hot, getting naked outside your home is frowned upon and Thais will avoid your presence (the less honest ones, even if they are rare, will approach you).
2- Avoid drinking alcohol. Even if you are offered a drink, know that Thais are very tolerant, but the code of conduct is Buddhist and is very clear on this point: wisdom dictates that one should not get drunk. Foreigners are more visible (since they are different) and are often a topic of conversation, and it is a double-edged sword. They will adore you if you are a good Buddhist, and will mock you if you do not understand anything or ignore everything (more than if you were Thai). And from my own experience, the most pleasant and fortunate companies are those that are the most moderate and sober, they also carry within them the most beautiful values (in my eyes) of the country.
3- Do not play cards, although it is done, they always hide it, because it is illegal because the King and Queen are represented there. You risk prison. Be careful, in some funerals or weddings, this is practiced in the back room (especially if the dead person was a player) ... do not join in.
4- Wishing that an individual who does not behave well could hurt himself is also not good advice, because it is not a positive thought (not Buddhist) and it is in itself badly perceived. It is very unwelcome (it is really something that will make the absolute difference in your relationships) to speak badly of anyone and even worse, to wish them harm. The code of good conduct that is widely followed because it is deeply cultural, is to pretend to ignore and distance yourself from bad actions and negative words, because it is bad karma and it is experienced as something dishonorable to contribute to it. If you do it, even if you are right on a subject obvious to everyone, they will smile embarrassedly and stop talking to you, then leave.
5- If you are invited to a wedding or a funeral, it is an honor, go. Do not go empty-handed, everyone (without exception) gives according to their means and social castes exist, those who have nothing participate by working on common tasks with the family concerned. Know that even the bosses of a company must assist families who get married or suffer a death by giving (often with pride) according to what they have. Thais count everything and are tough in business, but they also know how to be very generous.
6- Never explain to them how they should do it when you are not asked. Even where you have knowledge that they do not have (and there are many of them), because it is perceived as a humiliation. At worst, do it yourself discreetly.
7- Very often, superstition is strong about everything, educate yourself rather than judge. There are many things that are not done also because of strong cultural superstitions.
8- Be considerate of older people and always let someone older pass, especially if you are very young and the person has difficulty moving. If you do not do it, you will not be criticized (as is often the case, it is very subtle to perceive what is good or bad because of the restraint code and you are the farang), but your commendable attentions will be greatly appreciated.
9- Generally speaking, Thailand is truly, for a European, the other side of the world. So, we highlight what is positive and you will really get (more than with us French), a blatant recognition, however, if you are an unsociable person, you will be discreetly pushed aside. Obviously, any positive act will be encouraged, at all times. And like everywhere in the world, a reputation takes time to build (although it can happen quickly in Thailand), but disappears in an instant at the first misstep (even more so when you are not at home).
10- They also have a lot in common with us, because by analogy, if France is the country of gastronomy in Europe, Thailand is the country of gastronomy in Asia. They almost only talk about eating! Like us (but even more). If you are a gourmet, you will be able to share this joy of living well (without abuse). On this subject, if you finish your plate, it is because you want more. If the person who invites you cannot re-serve your plate, it is bad. Do not finish your whole bowl. At home, you have to finish, not there (and then, it is better to taste a little bit of everything).
11- Do not complain about a state of mind or health, whining is not an asset, be strong or isolate yourself if you cannot do it, put on a "good face" at all times.
12- Always start with “hello” (in the language) and always end with “thank you”. There are no exceptions that are worth it.
13- Never sit higher than a monk or a person who has been ennobled (or close to the royal family). Do not put a picture of the King or a monk in your bedroom. Do not put shoes on high and leave them outside. And nothing should be placed above the King and the pictures of the monks. Observe carefully, this is the case everywhere, in people's homes as well as in shops, it is not the result of chance.
14- Never talk about politics, on the one hand you risk not understanding what it's really about, on the other hand, it's none of your business and you will quickly put yourself in danger, whatever your opinions.
15- Sexual identity is more marked socially, therefore, depending on whether you are a man or a woman, you will be expected to behave appropriately (transsexuals are rather well accepted as is homosexuality, but it remains something relatively new and funny...).
16- And perhaps more than anywhere else, silence is golden, as are kind acts.
Bonne chance.
Roman
Hello,
Thank you for this mega testimony; but I must clarify that this is indeed your experience, which I do not question. But I see that the latter revolves in particular around the precepts of Buddhism, with a vision that I find a bit rigorous. If these are certainly an integral part of the local culture, they are not necessarily intended to be followed by everyone on a daily basis and as scrupulously respected when you are not accustomed to the customs and passing through the country like most tourists. And precisely, this list that you present would be more appropriate for a future expat than for the "average" tourist for whom I originally intended this list of advice. In order to clarify your experience, I have also numbered all of this, in order to provide my little clarifications on all of this, with my experience:
1- Going topless is common in Thailand, they remain quite modest (contrary to appearances, since it is not so rare to come across someone with their belly exposed).
2- Allow me to disagree on this. I have never seen a Thai person get offended that someone agrees to have a drink of alcohol! Thais consume an average of 8,3 liters of pure alcohol per year, which is the world average and they are no more virtuous than other countries. Furthermore, I have never seen a Thai person enjoy the company of someone because they think they are "a good Buddhist", judging a person as a bad Buddhist just for drinking alcohol is not precisely a judgment that you denounce in your list as something to avoid? On the other hand, on Buddhist holidays, yes, if you can refrain from drinking, it is preferable (which will often be easy because the sale of alcohol is limited or even prohibited in many places on these days).
3- It's mainly gambling that is illegal, not playing cards as such. It's the fact of having money in play or not that will make the act illegal or not. Having a fight with your kid won't send you to jail... As a matter of principle, just avoid playing cards in a public place because the police may be suspicious and ask you to stop playing, but it won't be because the king and queen are cards... otherwise they wouldn't sell cards... like alcohol, right?
4- Whether you are Buddhist or not, wanting to harm someone remains something negative… I think that what you are talking about refers to the notion of “losing face”, which has a preponderant value in Thailand. Making someone lose face because you show them that they are wrong can quickly send a Thai into a tailspin.
5- As such yes, but if you are invited spontaneously, I don't think people will expect anything from strangers who are not aware of local customs.
6- I haven't really been confronted with this scenario but if helping can be done by explaining things normally, there is not necessarily any reason to feel humiliated.
7- Thais are very superstitious, yes, that remains something quite true in general.
8- Respect your elders. This should be the same everywhere, regardless of nationality. If you are well educated, this is something that you will also find in France.
9- It is in particular this sentence evoking the "reputation", which I think, implies your list as more intended for future expats, because otherwise, people passing through will not have this problem...
10- Maybe it's something that we find in some villages in Issan or elsewhere but personally, if I don't finish my plate, people will rather ask me if it wasn't good or if I'm not hungry anymore, like everywhere... I think that the case mentioned is already more in the context of a family and/or festive meal and even in this case, I was never served again because my plate was empty or made to feel that I was rude for having finished my plate without taking anything back afterwards. I don't think that in Thailand in general we encourage "wasting" out of politeness.
11- Saying that you are not well is not necessarily something to hide, otherwise how do you expect anyone to help you if you end up needing a doctor or something else…
12- It's the least polite thing to do, like everywhere.
13- Few people will have the opportunity to find themselves next to a member of the royal family, but the remark remains valid for monks, which is why they are always seated on a promontory and not on the ground like lay people. Even among future expats, I don't think that some would think of displaying a portrait of the king in their bedroom. As for shoes, it depends where. When you go to a temple, a massage parlor, some restaurants, it is indeed common to leave your shoes outside, but not always! Some shoe racks are inside (to avoid the rain) and if you are at home, it goes without saying that you put your shoes wherever you want (well, except above a portrait of the king or a monk).
14- The subject being complex, it is almost obvious, especially, once again, if you are just passing through. Otherwise, in the long term, with people you know well, it is not a taboo subject any more than any other, there are just specific themes to avoid (royalty).
15- So there, how to say... personally I think that the average Thai doesn't give a damn about how you behave with your identity, "mixtures" being so common here. And to say that transsexuals or homosexuality is something "new" and "funny", to be polite, I remain "doubtful" about your vision of the subject.
16- No more than anywhere else, being kind is necessarily better everywhere, and being silent, not sure I understand why this adage would be worth its weight in gold here more than anywhere else??
To avoid
Thank you for this very useful and well-detailed article! The advice you give is essential for any traveler wishing to respect Thai culture. I particularly appreciated the details on behaviors to avoid, such as not criticizing the monarchy or being careful about driving.
janssens marie
Hello..thanks for all this advice!
do we need special vaccinations to go to BKK SUVARNABHUMI…thailand
Thanks a lot .
cordially
Marie
Roman
Hello,
As such, there are no mandatory vaccinations for Thailand. However, it is strongly recommended to be up to date with your vaccinations against hepatitis A, B and tetanus at a minimum. A rabies vaccine is not necessarily too much either.
Laurent
Hello. Thank you for your super interesting blog.
I'm planning to go to Thailand for the first time soon. And I have a question that's been running through my mind. Are Thai people, and especially the police, open to "clothing extravagances" like punk or other things? Let me explain. It's nothing really extreme, but I wear a fair amount of spiked bracelets, metal buckles, etc., steampunk glasses with spikes always stuck to my cap, and a few necklaces and other African charms around my neck. Do I have a greater chance of being bothered by the police or having difficulty integrating into the population with all this?
Another question. I always travel with my dog (shepherd) who never leaves my side. Is it risky for her? Is there anything I should be aware of?
So it's worth what it's worth because the person who told me that has never been to Thailand, but I heard myself say: be careful, they might try to steal your dog to eat her??
Do you think there is anything to worry about?
Thank you in advance.
Roman
Hello,
I can assure you, no, the police have no reason to bother you about your appearance. Overall, it's not a country that judges people on the way they dress (they themselves will sometimes use accessories that would be considered "ridiculous", or do some shopping in their pajamas).
Regarding the remark you heard, I beg you, on returning from Thailand, to explain to this person that it is very wrong to judge a country without knowing it... There is only one region in the country that can consume dog meat and never, ever would it occur to them to steal a domestic dog to do so. It is a Buddhist country, basically, they have dogs as pets and they love them, this person gave you a caricatured image, typical of a person who does not travel...
The only risk I see is the presence of many stray dogs. Most are peaceful, but depending on how your dog reacts, this can lead to some possible tensions. Be sure to find out in advance about the conditions and vaccinations required to bring her to Thailand, however, because it's never easy to travel with your pet.