On this page I will attempt to give you some insights into Thai people, some of their behaviour , and their customs. I recommend you read this as it will help you to be accepted while you interact with the locals.

 

Cultural Identity

Much of Thailand’s culture comes from the ethnic Thai people. One of the most important influences on Thai culture has been Buddhism. Many of the traditions and beliefs of the people in Thailand stem directly from Buddhist principles.  Hinduism has also made important contributions to Thai culture, and the close links between Thailand and India can be seen in art, literature, and in many Thai customs.  The cultures of nearby Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China have also played an important role in forming the traditions of Thailand, as have indigenous belief systems such as Animism.

Of Thailand’s nearly 70 million people, roughly two thirds are from Thai ethnic groups. Although the ethnic Thai people can be divided into dozens of different subgroups, their traditions, languages, and cultures differ only slightly. This leads to a population with a strong sense of shared traditions and cultural identity.

The remaining third of the population is made up primarily of Chinese, as well as various minorities including Vietnamese, Khmer, Hmong, and Mein. Even among these diverse ethnic groups, the Thai language is widely spoken and understood, and the Thai script is often used in place of traditional writing styles.

Since the 1950s, Thailand’s government has made efforts to preserve and strengthen the sense of national culture and national identity. During the 1980s and 1990s, however, Thailand saw a resurgence in local culture and traditions.  Although there is still a strong national identity, local food, dances, music, celebrations, and beliefs have begun to play a more important role in Thai life.

 

VALUES

Respect for elders and for those in higher social positions is important. Hierarchies of social status characterize nearly every interaction. Children are expected to respect their parents and teachers. The young must show deference to the elderly.  Those with highly prestigious positions in society, such as doctors, important public figures, and monks are almost revered.

Family is central to Thai life.  Although many newly-married couples will set up their own households, it is not uncommon for extended family to live with them.  Often, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles will all live in the same household and help to raise children and provide for the family. Children are expected to show great respect for their parents, and they maintain close ties, even well into adulthood.

Although Thailand’s family life and society has been traditionally male-dominated, women are granted considerable respect. Recent laws and legislation have allowed women more freedom to move out of traditional roles and into professions such as politics, medicine, and business. Respect and equal rights for women has, in recent decades, become an important part of Thailand’s law and values.

Another concept that is very important in Thai culture is sanuk.  Sanuk is a wide-reaching idea that embodies the playfulness and sense of humor that is so central to life in Thailand. It could refer to a spontaneous and joyful meeting with someone on the street, or a humorous pun made at just the right moment. The sense of humor and joie de vivre captured in sanuk is central to the Thai way of life. In everyday life in Thailand, there is a strong emphasis on the concept of sanuk; the idea that life should be fun. Because of this, Thais can be quite playful at work and during day-to-day activities. Displaying positive emotions in social interactions is also important in Thai culture.

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RELIGION

Thailand is nearly 94%-95% Theravada Buddhist with minorities of Muslims, Christians, Mahayana Buddhists, and other religions. Thai culture is deeply influenced by religion - the belief system and values of Buddhism play a huge role in day-to-day life. Buddhism in Thailand is strongly influenced by traditional beliefs regarding ancestral and natural spirits, as you travel around you may see small golden house on pillars outside houses and businesses, where Thais believe household spirits live. They present offerings of food and drink to these spirits to keep them happy. If these spirits aren't happy, it is believed that they will inhabit the household and cause chaos. Thais are for the most part fairly devout buddhists and if you are walking the streets early in the morning (especially along the beach) you are likely to see monks in Safron robes being offered alms by shop owners and passers by, believing that such offerings will bring them merit and good luck.  You may also see chairs outside small shops with offerings and incense sticks burning which are their way of praying to the resident spirits when they don't have the space for the spirit houses. 

Thai monks are forbidden physical contact with women. Women are therefore expected to make way for passing monks to ensure that accidental contact does not occur.  

Laypersons are expected to sit or stand with their heads at a lower level than that of a monk. Within a temple, monks may sit on a raised platform during ceremonies to make this easier to achieve.

When sitting in a temple, one is expected to point one's feet away from images of the Buddha. It is also customary to remove one's footwear before entering a home or the sacred areas within a temple, and not to step on the threshold.

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GREETINGS

The smile is an important symbol of refinement in Thai culture. One of the most distinctive Thai customs is the wai. Used in greetings, leave-taking, or as an acknowledgement, it comes in many forms, reflecting the relative status of those involved. Generally the salutation involves a prayer-like gesture with the hands, and it also may include a slight bow of the head. This salutation is often accompanied by a serene smile symbolizing a welcoming disposition and a pleasant attitude. Thailand is often referred to as the "land of smiles" in tourist brochures. While in Thailand you will most certainly earn respect if you smile and give the wai while saying "Sawadee Krup/Kaa" (Male/Female). The higher your hands, the greater the respect you are indicating. Even the much maligned bar girls will be more friendly towards you if you start the encounter off with the Wai and Smile. Note that you never wai to a child. Display of respect of the younger towards the elder is a cornerstone value in Thailand.

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HEAD AND FEET

A notable social norm holds that touching someone on the head may be considered rude. It is also considered rude to place one's feet at a level above someone else's head, especially if that person is of higher social standing. This is because the Thai people consider the foot to be the dirtiest and lowliest part of the body, and the head the most respected and highest part of the body. This also influences how Thais sit when on the ground—their feet always pointing away from others, tucked to the side or behind them. Pointing at or touching something with the feet is also considered rude.

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ANGER

Throughout the country, the most important values that Thai people hold to are respect, self-control, and a non-confrontational attitude.  Losing face by showing anger or by telling a lie is a source of great shame for Thai people.  No matter how frustrated or upset a person might feel, he or she will always strive to maintain a positive and friendly attitude, a sense of humor, and a smile.

Since a serene disposition is valued, conflict and sudden displays of anger are eschewed in Thai culture. For these reasons, visitors should take care not to create conflict or to display anger. Disagreements or disputes should be handled with a smile and no attempt should be made to assign blame to another.  

Often, Thais will deal with disagreements, minor mistakes, or misfortunes by using the phrase mai pen rai, translated as "it doesn't matter". The ubiquitous use of this phrase in Thailand reflects a disposition towards minimizing conflict, disagreements or complaints. A smile and the sentence "mai pen rai" indicates that the incident is not important and therefore there is no conflict or shame involved. You may also hear some say "Khor Toad" if they (say) stepped on your foot, which means Sorry or Excuse me. As a general rule, politeness, a smile and "Man Been Rai" should diffuse any potential conflicts.

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THAI DINING ETIQUETTE

Thai dining etiquette refers to the traditional and proper behaviors of Thai people while eating. Since Thai society has a lot of big families, so having a meal together and sharing the food between members of the family is Thai traditional dining style. Generally, Thais eat rice as the main food and share the rice side dishes with one another. So, if you find yourself out for a meal with some Thai people, expect that the food ordered is all for sharing, and even if you order a pork chop just for yourself, don't be surprised if Grandma reaches over and takes something off your plate! Don't worry, its not being rude - just according to Thai custom.
Thais use a fork and spoon rather than the knife and fork that most Western people are used to. They use the fork to push the food onto the spoon (right hand), which then goes into your mouth instead of making the meat stable for the knife function. Nowadays, Thai dining is mixed with various countries’ dining cultures, so Thai people use a lot of styles to eat not only with spoon and fork one but also chopstick, knife and bare hand as well. 

In Thai families and social groups, the bill is usually picked up and paid by the wealthiest or most important person or inviter or oldest person. If customers are friends the bills are usually paid separately.

NICKNAMES

Thai people universally have one, or occasionally more, short nicknames that they use with friends and family. Often first given shortly after birth by friends or an older family member, these nicknames are overwhelmingly one syllable like "Som" or "Nan" or "Duk". Though they may be simply shortened versions of a full name, they quite frequently have no relation to the person's full name and are often humorous and/or nonsense words. Nicknames are useful because official Thai names are often long.

THE MONARCHY

Thai people are passionately loyal to the Royal Family. After the death of King Bumibol Adulyadej on 14 October 2016, there has been and will continue to be a period of extended mourning. It would be wise to show great respect for this period of mourning which is likely to last for up to one year.

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