Travelling in Thailand: the things to avoid for a respectful stay
Written on : 20 January 2020 By : Emma Di Gesaro
Thailand is a dream destination with its white sandy beaches, cultural heritage, gastronomy and much more... Thai culture is very different from European culture and once you get there, there are some things you need to know in order to be respectful towards the community. Before planning your list of sights to visit, check out this Villanovo guide to what to avoid for a dignified stay in Thailand.
In Thai culture, the head is considered to be the purest part of the human body, the part where the soul resides and is therefore sacred in the Buddhist religion. In Europe, it is common to touch a child's head to greet him/her. However, in Thailand, it would be perceived as disrespectful if a stranger put their hand on the head of a child or (as well as an adult).
When you visit a Buddhist temple in Thailand, you will most likely get to see or even engage with the monks. However, be aware that it is disrespectful to establish physical contact with them and vice versa. This applies to women and men who should not attempt to physically greet a nun.
After long visits, you may want to rest for a few moments by sitting on the floor. Be careful, if you are in front of a temple, do not point your feet in its direction, this is perceived as disrespectful to the deities. For example, if you decide to sit on the floor, bend your legs so that your feet are not in the direction of the temple, it is equivalent to pointing at someone, which is obviously considered rude.
Criticising the royal family and their pets is punishable by imprisonment. If you are accused of offending the royal family on social networks or in everyday life, you could face a severe sentence. Do not discuss the subject of politics with Thai people since the Thai royal family is almost perceived as a deity and the father of the current King brought much sadness at the time of his death - it was definitely considered a difficult time for the nation.
If you are a follower of the electronic cigarette, it is very important to note that this practice is illegal in Thailand which has enshrined its ban in law since 2014. What you risk if you use an electronic cigarette? Trouble with the Thai police, an guaranteed fine or even a possible prison sentence, this sentence applies to foreigners as well as locals.
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