5 customs to know about before visiting Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travellers from the UK but it's a totally different world, a totally different culture. One of the joys of travelling is discovering new cultural traditions, isn't it? Bangkok is the first-stop for many travellers visiting not only Thailand but all of Southeast Asia thanks to so many cheap flights to Thailand landing in the capital city. It's easy to get wrapped up in the thrills of travelling though without even noticing the finer sides of Thai culture and customs. Here are 5 cultural practises that shouldn't be overlooking on your next trip to Thailand.
1. Greeting
The wai is a gesture you'll come across almost as soon as you step off your flight. It is the action of pressing your two palms together at nose level and bowing your head slightly. It is used to express respect, to say hello, thank you or goodbye. Pretty much it's essential if you plan to greet or interact with any Thai locals.
2. National Pride
While it's a relatively new concept, the Thai government has introduced a few different practices to encourage the Thai people to feel proud of their culture, their roots. The national anthem for example is broadcast twice daily and everyone is required to stop and stand whenever this song is played.
3. Colour Days
Hindu legends that date back thousands of years say that it is auspicious to wear a certain colour on a certain day of the week. Most notable is Mondays when you'll see many people wearing yellow. This also honours the day of the week when the King was born. Tuesday is pink, Friday is light blue.
4. Body contact
Many Thais, due to their Buddhist influence, believe the head is the most valuable part of the body and the feet are the least. It's really offensive to touch someone’s head, in the same way, raising your feet to point at someone or any religious object is also offensive. Shoes should be removed before entering a home. It is also taboo for women to touch monks or pass things to them directly.
5. Toilet talk
Unless you're in Bangkok, squat toilets are the regular thing. You can flush them by pouring water from the bucket (usually placed nearby) into the hole. Toilet paper should be thrown into the waste bin, not down the hole. As for bathing, traditional wash-rooms will have a simple trough with water and a ladle or small bowl to use to pour over your body.
A little heads up never hurt and we wouldn't want you to be surprised when you used a Thai toilet for the first time! What other cultural practises have you observed while in Thailand?