Travel Tips
Do's
and Don't in Thailand
The Monarchy : Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence
for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful
to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal
Children.
Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious
shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot
pants or other unsuitable attireIt is acceptable to wear
shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple,
but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image
is kept.
Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is
regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take
a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack
of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be
touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand
of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she
first hands it to a man, who then presents it.
Social Norms :
Thais don't 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.
Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body,
literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching
people on the head and try not to point your feet at people
or an object. It is considered very rude.
Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai
home.
Public displays of affection between men and women are
frowned upon.
Special Advice :
- Beware of unauthorised people who offer their services
as guides. For all tourist information, contact the Tourism
Authority of Thailand, Tel : 1672. For information about
Bangkok, contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Tourist Bureau,
Tel : 0 2225 7612-4.
- Observe all normal precautions as regards to personal
safety, as well as the safety fof your belongings. Walking
alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended.
Be sure that all your valuables-money, jewellery, and
airline tickets are properly protected from loss. Visitors
needing assistance relating to safety, unethical practices,
or other matters, please call the Tourist Police at Tel:
1155.
- Drop your garbage into a waste container. The Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration id no strictly enforcing the
law in an effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The
fine will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette
stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas.
- Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties
for drug offences are very severe in Thailand.
- Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never
purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals
including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, and also
turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants
that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against the law
to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.
Speaking
Thai
Thai is a tonal language belonging to the group of Ka-Tai
languages, the five tones are monotone, low, falling,
high, and rising. This can be a rather complicated language
for the visitor; however, English is quite widely understood,
particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial
language.
Here are a few Thai basic greetings and phrases to
try.
| English |
Thai |
| Good morning, Good evening, Good
afternoon, Good night, Hello, Good-bye |
Sa-wat-dee |
| Hello (male
speaker) |
sawatdee krup |
| Hello (female
speaker) |
sawatdee kaa |
| Yes |
Chai |
| No |
Mai |
| Mr./Miss/Mrs. |
Khun |
| How are you? |
sabai dee reu |
| Fine thanks |
sabai dee |
| Thank you |
kop koon |
| Never mind |
mai pen rai |
| I can't speak
Thai |
phoot Thai mai dai |
| I don't understand |
mai kao chai |
| Do you understand? |
kao chai mai |
| May I take a
photograph? |
tai ruup dai mai |
| Where is the
rest room? |
hong nam yoo tee nai |
| I am going to.. |
Chan-cha-pai.. |
| No, I won't go |
Chan-mai-pai |
| Please drive slowly |
Prot-khap-cha-cha |
| Be careful |
Ra-wang |
| Turn to the right |
Liao-khwa |
| Turn to the
left |
Liao-sai |
| Drive straight on |
Khap-trong-pai |
| Slow down |
Cha-cha |
| Stop |
Yut |
| How much does
this cost? |
nee tao-rai |
| What is this
? |
nee arai |
| Very expensive |
paeng maag |
| Any discount? |
Lot-ra-kha-dai-mai |
| Please wrap it for me. |
Ho-hai-duai |
| The bill please |
gep taang |
| please speak slowly |
Prot-phut-cha-cha |
| Very Good |
Di-mak |
| Not Good |
Mai-Di |
| Good-bye |
la gon |
| See you again |
laew phob gan mai |
| Good luck |
kor hai chok dee |
| Sorry/excuse
me |
kor thoad |
Bargaining
Fixed prices are the norm in department stores,
but at most other places bargaining is to be expected.
Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40%
lower than the original asking price. Much depends on
your skills and the shopkeeper's mood. But remember, Thais
appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With patience
and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price,
you will also enjoy shopping as an art.
Tipping
Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand
although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants
add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do
not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated.
Content
by Tourism Authority of Thailand
