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Customs and traditions form the fundamental basis for creating a distinctive cultural identity of a country. Thailand, the Land of Smiles, has its own unique customs and traditions deeply influenced by Buddhist ideology, alongside Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Whether traveling on budget tours or independently, it's essential to be mindful of some characteristic customs of the Thai people. Let's explore 13 customs of the Land of Smiles with Mytour.
1. Introduction to Thai Culture
Thailand is one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia with a rich cultural heritage, boasting magnificent Buddhist architectural wonders and abundant natural landscapes. Among them, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya are three tourist cities attracting millions of visitors every 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: Collection)
Furthermore, Thai customs and traditions are also deeply influenced by other Buddhist countries such as India, China, and Cambodia. This is why Thailand is one of the countries with the highest number of temples in the world due to the significant influence of Buddhist ideology and cultural interaction.
2. Distinctive Thai Customs and Traditions
Thai customs and traditions are considered essential rituals in Thai culture. Despite Thais having a relaxed and open-minded outlook, they always value traditional customs and traditions. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to visit Thailand, pay attention to your country's customs and traditions to avoid cultural taboos!
2.1 Wai Greeting
The 'Wai Greeting' gesture of Thai people has become a beautiful cultural norm, unlike any other. The act of greeting with folded hands is also called 'Wai' by Thais. It's a traditional greeting style deeply rooted in Hindu culture (India), demonstrating respect for the person in front.
The gesture of folded hands resembling a lotus bud is seen as a symbol of respect and amiability in daily communication. This is because the lotus flower is considered a noble flower symbolizing reverence in Buddhism.
Greeting with folded hands is a familiar custom you can see in Thailand (Image Source: Collection)
Moreover, the closer the hands are pressed against the chest, the more it demonstrates the respect that stems from the heart, the sincerity of the person greeting the other. 'Wai' is not only used when greeting each other but also when expressing gratitude or apologizing.
This is considered one of the common customs and traditions of Thailand that you can easily encounter in Thai movies. However, if you didn't know, don't feel strange when Thais greet you with folded hands! Additionally, the position of the hands depends on the status, rank, or relationship with the person being greeted. For parents, His Majesty the King, or individuals of high status, they may also kneel 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 is the most revered and sacred position (including children). Therefore, touching someone's head casually is considered impolite, a great insult to them.
In contrast to the head, the feet are considered the least valuable part in Thai culture. If you place your feet higher than someone's head, it is deemed impolite. Due to this cultural tradition, Thai people never point their feet directly at others. Instead, they will adjust the direction of their feet to adhere to this rule. According to the perspective in Thai communication culture, pointing or touching anything with the feet is considered disrespectful, impolite.
From the customs and traditions of Thailand mentioned above, travelers should pay special attention to two body parts: the head and the feet. These are fundamental principles that Thai people highly value in their daily communication.
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 quintessential Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, mango sticky rice, papaya salad, etc., all incorporate at least two of these essential flavors mentioned above.
Characteristic of Thai dishes is the harmonious blend of spicy and sweet flavors. When indulging, you'll experience the spicy taste mingling harmoniously with the sour and sweet flavors, making any 'picky eater' feel 'blissfully enchanted'.
Tom Yum is one of the famous dishes that defines Thai cuisine (Source: Collection)
The diversity of Thai cuisine is thanks to the amalgamation of cultures from around the world such as Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Therefore, just stepping foot in Thailand, travelers have a plethora of choices to select a dish that suits their taste buds.
2.4 Limit and be cautious with public displays of affection
Due to heavy influence from Buddhist ideology, Thai customs and traditions are discreet and refined. Hence, displays of affection in crowded places are deemed inappropriate and lacking in discretion in Thailand.
Restricting public displays of affection in Thailand is a fundamental code of conduct (Source: Collection)
Especially, gestures like hugging and kissing are considered distasteful. Despite the youth today having more liberal views, public displays of affection still make others uncomfortable. Therefore, be mindful of this code of conduct if you have the chance to visit Thailand.
2.5 Women should maintain a 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, certain rules in Buddhism become essential norms in this country. Among them, women must maintain a distance from monks is the most crucial rule.
According to the rule, under no circumstances should a woman have direct contact with monks. Conversely, monks are not allowed to approach or touch women. Even when using public transportation such as buses, subways, etc., women are not allowed to sit near monks but must actively increase the distance, avoiding 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 Thai citizens. This is evident through the ubiquitous presence of the King throughout the country, known as the Land of Smiles.
It would be a grave mistake to speak ill of the King or any member of the royal family, even in jest. Hence, it is best to avoid any mention of the Thai royal family in any form. Moreover, one should never step on coins or banknotes as they bear the image of the King, and such actions are considered disrespectful.
2.7 Dress modestly when visiting temples
Thailand, being a longstanding Buddhist nation, adheres to strict customs regarding attire and appearance. Therefore, it is advisable to dress modestly when visiting temples, shrines, monasteries, palaces, or any religious site. This not only demonstrates respect but also portrays a positive image of Vietnamese people in the eyes of the locals.
Dressing neatly and modestly always leaves a good impression with the locals (Image Source: Collection)
According to the Thai perspective, modest attire means clothing that covers the knees, with sleeved tops and no revealing outfits. Individuals wearing shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops are typically denied entry to temples until they adjust their attire to suit the occasion. Additionally, it's advisable to avoid overly casual attire when visiting sacred sites as it may offend the locals.
2.8 Exercise caution 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 lifetime.
Travelers should only seek out reputable massage services to ensure their safety (Image Source: Collection)
However, many places exploit this service to engage in negative activities. Therefore, you should be cautious of massage shops bearing signs that say 'Happy girls'. Any establishment labeled with 'girls or women' is undoubtedly a red flag.
2.9 Take off your shoes
One of the undeniable customs when visiting someone's home or a temple in Thailand is to take off your shoes. Removing shoes is considered a gesture of respect towards the host or religious sites. Additionally, when visiting a Thai household, never step on the doorstep as they believe it is the dwelling place of departed souls.
2.10 Eating with Spoon and Fork
Thais don't use chopsticks when eating like Vietnamese or other East Asian countries. The only utensils they use are spoon and fork. First, they put rice and dishes on a plate. Then, holding a fork in the left hand and a spoon in the right, they eat. The most important person at the table sits in the middle.
Thais only use spoon and fork when dining (Image Source: Collection)
The meal officially starts when the eldest person at the table 'lifts the spoon' first. From there, others are allowed to eat. This is one of the distinctive customs and traditions of Thailand showcasing the fusion of traditional culture with neighboring countries.
Furthermore, leaving leftover food on the dining table is considered one of the taboos in Thai culinary culture. Therefore, you should only take an appropriate amount of food or politely decline if the dish does not suit your taste. Do not hesitate to politely decline to take leftover food. You can gracefully refuse with your companion because no one can blame someone with a sincere attitude.
2.11 Maintain a Friendly Attitude
It's no coincidence that Thailand is known as the 'Land of Smiles.' For Thais, restraining emotions and maintaining a friendly attitude are extremely important in their culture of behavior. Anger is a word that never exists in the Thai communication dictionary. If someone starts to get angry about something, they usually walk away to balance their emotions, rather than engage in argument or confrontation.
According to Thai customs and traditions, displaying anger could potentially lead to business losses. Therefore, Thais often behave very friendly, amicably, and try to avoid inciting conflicts or disputes. If you have the opportunity to travel to Thailand, it's advisable to maintain a calm and friendly attitude, even when facing unwarranted situations.
2.12 Pause All Activities at 8 AM and 6 PM
If you've been to the capital city of Bangkok, you're familiar with the Thai national anthem being broadcasted every 8 AM and 6 PM in public places. During these times, people suspend all activities and stand still until the anthem ends. This is considered an indispensable daily activity in the spiritual life of Bangkok residents. It not only shows respect but also reflects the unique culture of Thailand.
Thai customs and traditions are essential aspects of any trip to Thailand. Therefore, it's crucial to research and understand the culture and customs of a country when you're about to visit. Hopefully, with the insights from Mytour, you'll gain more useful knowledge about the Land of Smiles. Contact Mytour via hotline Mytour for affordable Thailand tour bookings.
