Buzz
Customs and traditions form the fundamental basis of creating a distinctive culture for a country. And Thailand is no exception with its unique customs and traditions. The Land of Smiles is deeply influenced by Buddhist philosophy, alongside Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Hence, Thai customs and traditions are often intertwined with Buddhism. Whether you're traveling on a budget tour or independently, it's essential to be aware of some distinctive customs of the Thai people. Let's explore 13 customs of the Land of Smiles with Mytour.
1. Introduction to Thai Culture Overview
Thailand is one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia. With a rich cultural heritage, Thailand boasts magnificent Buddhist architectural wonders, unique landscapes, and abundant natural scenery. Among them, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya are three tourist cities that attract millions of visitors each year.
Due to their close geographical proximity, Thai customs and traditions and those of Vietnam share some cultural similarities such as ancestor worship, Buddhism, religious festivals, temples, and pagodas.
Thailand is renowned for its long-standing cultural heritage and customs (Image source: Collected)
Furthermore, Thai customs and traditions are deeply influenced by other Buddhist countries such as India, China, and Cambodia. This influence has made Thailand one of the countries with the most temples in the world due to the significant impact of Buddhist ideology and cultural exchange.
2. Distinctive Thai Customs and Traditions
Thai customs and traditions are considered essential rituals in Thai culture. Despite the Thai people's relaxed and open-minded nature, they always value traditional customs and traditions. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to visit Thailand, you should pay attention to your country's customs and traditions to avoid cultural taboos!
2.1 Wai Greeting Gesture
The 'Wai' greeting gesture of the Thai people has become a beautiful cultural tradition, unlike any other. The clasped hands greeting is also known as 'Wai' by the Thai people. This traditional greeting style is deeply rooted in Hindu culture (India), demonstrating respect for the other person.
The gesture of clasping hands resembling a lotus bud is considered a symbol of respect and gentleness in daily communication. Because the lotus flower is regarded as a noble flower symbolizing reverence in Buddhism.
The Wai greeting gesture is a familiar custom that you can observe in Thailand (Image source: Collection)
Moreover, the closer the hands are pressed against the chest, the more it expresses the respect that originates from the heart, the sincerity of the person greeting the other person. 'Wai' is not only used when greeting each other but also when expressing gratitude or apology.
This is considered one of Thailand's common customs and traditions that you can easily encounter in Thai movies. However, if you are not aware, don't feel strange when Thais greet you with clasped hands! Furthermore, the position of the hands depends on the status, rank, or position of the person being greeted. For parents, His Majesty the King, or people of high status, they also combine it with bowing when greeting.
2.2 Pay Attention to Your Feet and Head
For Thai people, every part of the body carries its own significant meaning. Among them, the head holds the most revered and sacred position (including children). Therefore, touching someone's head casually is considered disrespectful and a great humiliation to them.
In contrast to the head, the feet are considered the least valuable in Thai culture. If your feet are positioned higher than someone's head, it's deemed impolite. Due to this cultural practice, Thais never point their feet directly at others. Instead, they redirect their feet to adhere to this rule. According to Thai communication etiquette, pointing or touching anything with the feet is seen as disrespectful and impolite.
From the Thai customs and traditions mentioned above, travelers should pay special attention to two body parts: the head and the feet. These are fundamental principles highly valued by Thais in their daily interactions.
2.3 Thai Cuisine
It would be incomplete not to mention the culinary culture in Thai customs and traditions. Thai dishes are a perfect combination of sour, spicy, salty, bitter, and sweet flavors. Therefore, some iconic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, mango sticky rice, papaya salad, etc., typically incorporate at least two of these essential flavors.
Characteristic of Thai cuisine is the harmonious blend of sour and spicy flavors with a hint of sweetness. When enjoying these dishes, you'll experience a balanced fusion of spiciness with sourness and sweetness, leaving even the most discerning palate mesmerized and enchanted.
Tom Yum is one of the famous dishes that epitomize Thai cuisine (Image source: Collected)
The diversity of Thai cuisine is attributed to the fusion of cultures from around the world such as Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Therefore, when visiting Thailand, travelers can freely choose a dish that suits their taste preferences.
2.4 Limit and be cautious with public displays of affection in crowded places
Due to significant influence from Buddhist philosophy, Thai customs and traditions are discreet and refined. Therefore, expressions of intimacy in public places are considered inappropriate and lacking in decorum in Thailand.
Restricting public displays of affection in Thailand is a fundamental behavioral principle (Image source: Collected)
In particular, gestures such as hugging or kissing are deemed distasteful. Although the younger generation may have more liberal views, public displays of affection still make others uncomfortable. Therefore, it's essential to adhere to this behavioral principle when visiting Thailand.
2.5 Women should maintain distance from monks
Statistics show that in Thailand, where 96% of the population follows Buddhism, Thai customs and traditions are greatly influenced by Buddhist teachings. Therefore, some regulations within Buddhism become paramount behavioral principles in this country. Among them, women must maintain a distance from monks, which is the most crucial rule.
According to the rule, under any circumstances, a woman should not have direct contact with a monk. Conversely, monks are not allowed to approach or touch women. Even when using public transportation such as buses, trains, etc., women are not permitted to sit near monks but must actively increase the distance and avoid the closest contact possible.
2.6 Avoid discussing the King
The Thai royal family holds significant influence over the culture and spiritual life of the local people. Therefore, the royal family and its members are revered by all Thais with absolute respect. This is evident through the ubiquitous presence of the King throughout the country.
You would make a grave mistake by speaking ill of the King or any member of the royal family, even in jest. Hence, you should refrain from mentioning the Thai royal family in any form. Additionally, avoid stepping on coins or banknotes as they feature the image of the King, and such actions are deemed disrespectful.
2.7 Dress modestly when visiting temples
Thailand is a longstanding Buddhist country, so the locals have strict customs regarding appearance and attire. Therefore, it's advisable to dress neatly and modestly when visiting temples, shrines, monasteries, palaces, or any religious sites. This not only demonstrates respect but also portrays a favorable image of Vietnamese people in the eyes of the host country.
Dressing neatly and modestly always leaves a positive impression on the locals (Image source: Collection)
According to the Thai perspective, modest attire means clothes that cover the knees, shirts with sleeves, and no revealing outfits. Those wearing shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops are denied entry to temples until they change into more suitable attire. Moreover, it's advisable to avoid dressing sloppily when visiting sacred places as it may offend the locals.
2.8 Be cautious with certain massage services
Massage services are among the most enticing experiences in Thailand, favored by many international visitors. Thai massage services offer a wide range of options at very affordable prices. Therefore, it would be a missed opportunity if you don't experience a Thai massage service at least once in your life while in Thailand.
Travelers should only seek out reputable massage services to ensure safety (Image source: Collection)
However, many places exploit this service for illicit activities. Therefore, be cautious of massage shops with signs advertising 'Happy girls'. Any establishment labeled with 'girls or women' is undoubtedly a red-light venue.
2.9 Take off your shoes
One of Thailand's cultural customs when visiting someone's home or a temple is to take off your shoes. Removing shoes is seen as a way to show respect to the host or to religious sites. Additionally, if visiting a Thai person's home, never step over the threshold as they believe it is where the soul of the deceased resides.
2.10 Eating with Spoon and Fork
Thais do not use chopsticks when dining like in Vietnam or other East Asian countries. The only utensils Thais use are spoons and forks. First, they put rice and dishes onto plates. Then, holding the fork in the left hand and the spoon in the right, the most important person at the table sits in the middle.
Thais only use spoons and forks when eating (Image source: Collection)
The meal only officially begins when the eldest person at the table 'starts spooning' first. From then on, others are allowed to eat. This is considered one of Thailand's distinctive cultural customs that blends traditional culture with neighboring countries.
Leaving leftover food on the dining table is considered taboo in Thai culinary culture. Therefore, you should only take a sufficient amount of food or politely decline if the dish does not suit your taste. It's better to politely refuse than to accept and leave leftovers. You can politely decline with the other party as no one can blame someone with a sincere attitude.
2.11 Maintain a Friendly Attitude
It's no coincidence that Thailand is dubbed the 'land of smiles.' For Thais, controlling emotions and maintaining a friendly attitude are extremely important in behavioral culture. Anger is a term that never appears in the Thai communication dictionary. If someone starts getting angry about something, they usually walk away to balance their emotions, rather than argue or fight.
According to Thai customs and traditions, displaying anger can be a reason for business losses. Therefore, Thais are usually very friendly, gentle, and try to minimize conflicts. If you have the opportunity to travel to Thailand, it's advisable to maintain a calm and friendly attitude, even when facing undeserved situations.
2.12 Pause all activities at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
If you've been to the capital city Bangkok, you'll be familiar with the Thai national anthem being broadcasted every 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in public places. During these two time slots, people halt all activities and stand still until the anthem finishes. This is considered a daily ritual indispensable in the spiritual life of Bangkok residents. It not only shows respect but also reflects Thailand's unique cultural aspect.
Thai customs and traditions are essential aspects in every trip to Thailand. Therefore, it's crucial to learn and understand the culture, customs, and traditions of a country before setting foot there. With the insights from Mytour, we hope you'll gain more useful knowledge about the Land of Smiles. Contact Mytour via hotline Mytour for advice on booking affordable tours to Thailand.
