Page 9 - Thailand Destination Guide - Alluring Asia

ETIQUETTE 4). Shoes should be removed when entering private Thai Thais are very polite people. Handshaking is homes; chapels where Buddhist images are kept; and any of customary for both men and women upon the Islamic community's mosques. introduction and smiling is definitely a national tradition. There are a few cultural pitfalls, mainly 5). Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is social and religious taboos, the breaking of which regarded as being a sacred object. Never climb onto one to can cause offense. For example: take a picture or do anything that might show lack of respect. 1). Thai's revere their Royal Family. Even social malcontents who ignore legal and community 6). It is considered rude to point your foot at a person or standards refuse to tolerate a faintly implied slight object. on the Thai monarchy. 7). Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, 2). Outward expression of anger is regarded as both literally and figuratively. Therefore, they do not crude and boorish. The visitor who remains calm appreciate anyone patting them there, even as a friendly and smiles appreciatively will find all sorts of doors gesture. open to him. PHOTOGRAPHS 3). Visitors should dress neatly in all religious It is polite to ask permission before taking photographs, shrines. They should never go shirtless, or in shorts, Some people may take offense. hot pants or other unsuitable attire.