Custom of Thailand

Customs of Thailand
Foreign visitors to Thailand are not expected to understand all the intricate subtleties of Thai customs, but by learning something about them and trying to incorporate them into your behavior, you will show respect for local people and avoid some potentially situations.
In Thailand, two institutions take on particular importance: the monarchy and religion.
The Monarchy
Thai people love their king with deep reverence for the monarchy. By way of proof, portraits of their majesties are displayed in most shops and businesses. Like anybody else, you are expected to be respectful towards members of the royal family. Therefore, stand quietly when the national anthem is played, which happens daily at 8am and 6pm in parks and other public places.
Social Hierarchy
Age, social rank, lineal descent, salary and education are all considerations for social conduct. Such hierarchy is demonstrated at every moment of the day, even the way of greeting. Thais don't usually shake hands but rather wai (a prayer-like gesture with hands clasped in front of the face). This action means ‘hello' and ‘goodbye' but also shows respect and humility. The higher the hands are raised, the more respect is being paid.
Losing Face
Thais are known to be patient and calm. Being jai yen (cool-hearted) is highly admired in Thai culture. Any impulsive reactions that may show annoyance (i.e. raising your voice) are considered unseemly, counterproductive and can make you ‘lose face'. Losing your temper should be avoided; things will work themselves out much better if you remain calm. Practise the words mai pen roi (meaning "never mind").
Body Parts
The head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body while the feet are the lowest, hence the most impure. For this reason, it is impolite to pat or touch some body on the head (this applies even to children) and it is particularly rude to point your feet at somebody or to place them on a table or a chair. Pointing the finger at other people is also considered impolite - best to gesture with an open hand.
Temple Etiquette
As temples and Buddha images are considered sacred, certain rules of respect should be followed when visiting temples:
• Dress properly (long trousers or dresses, covered shoulders)
• Remove your shoes at the entrance of temple buildings
• Don't step on the threshold
• Don't sit pointing your feet towards a Buddha image
• Avoid touching Buddha images or chedis (funeral monuments)
• Be considerate when taking photographs
• Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by women. So, if a woman gives something to a monk, she must first pass it to a man or put it on a piece of cloth

Did You Know?
Every day has a corresponding color in Thailand, and throngs of locals will don a yellow shirt to show their respects and celebrate the 80th birthday of the King, who was born on the yellow-themed Monday.
Culture of Thailand