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
