Thailand is a beautiful country inhabited by friendly people. The fact is that it is inhabited by many different races of people, far more than in Britain or another European country, for example. However, everyone seems to get along, and all have general characteristics in common. The vast majority of the population is Buddhist, and so everything is below them, but there are points of etiquette to be observed by all Thai people - Muslims, the Chinese, the hill tribes, and smaller groups.
Temple Etiquette
When you go to Thailand, you will see a lot of Wats (temples, the Thai word). In fact, each village has a Wat inhabited by monks. You are allowed in the Wats, but you need to dress properly, which means no running style of the West. It's better if your T-shirt covers your back. Shorts are allowed, but not preferred in Wats, and some will refuse entry to people wearing shorts. You must also remove your shoes. Once inside, remember that everything in the temple is holy, including the Buddha. Even a plastic Buddha worth 50c in a market cannot be used for taking photos. Children should not climb on anything.
Women are welcome at any Wat, but they must not touch a monk, and monks cannot touch a woman. If you make a gift, it is placed within reach of the monk; sometimes it is a "listening mat" for him to put the gift on. Entry to a Wat is usually free, but not always, especially in Bangkok. If there is no cost, it would be nice of you to make a donation to one of the boxes.
Never put your feet in a monk or a statue of Buddha. If you want to sit down, take the "Mermaid" position, so your toes point back.
The Waai
The Waai is the traditional Thai greeting, which seems like the way kindergarten children pray, with their hands together just below the chin, tilting their head quite easily. But many people shake hands with strangers, especially in larger tourist cities. I live in a village in the north, and people do not Waai every day. It's quite formal for friends every day.
Head and Foot
The feet are often dirty in Thailand, as most Thai people wear open sandals due to the hot and dusty ground. It is considered a serious offense to show the soles of your feet or shoes, especially to others. Some people may even think it is bad enough to warrant physical punishment. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and respectful of this cultural norm.
On the other hand, the head is considered sacred in Thailand and should never be touched. Even ruffling a baby's hair is considered disrespectful. It is important to be careful when touching someone's head, even your spouse's. In fact, I once accidentally touched my wife's forehead when the bus made a sudden turn, and she was upset with me for the whole day. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to these cultural norms and show respect towards them.
Despite these cultural differences, Thais are generally very tolerant and communicate well with foreigners who have good intentions. So while it is not necessary to worry too much about making mistakes, it would be helpful to keep the advice above in mind.
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