Thailand holidays
Thailand vacations are exotic, stunning, sunny, exciting and very rewarding. To get the most out of your holiday, learn about the customs and traditions that are requested of people visiting this spectacular country. These tips can help you be respectful of a culture with which many westerners are not familiar. I hope that this article will give you some ideas on how to make your visit to Thailand truly spectacular. This will help you show appreciation for the people and their country. These basic principles will also keep you from unintentionally offending your gracious hosts.
Thailand Holidays Are Better Than Just a Party
Thailand holidays can lead to truly unique and rewarding cultural experiences. With relatively cheap prices, warm weather and friendly people, some places in Thailand have become overwhelmed with partygoers. Our recommendation is to have fun, party some, but consider what you will be missing if that is all you do. Also consider that this is the ancient home of your hosts.
Greeting people in Thailand with the Wai
The Wai is a custom found throughout Thailand. It is performed by placing your palms together and letting your fingers point upward (in a prayer position). When you do this you also bend your head at the neck, to show respect to the people that you are meeting. The Thai people generally appreciate when foreigners visiting their country use the Wai because of the regard it shows to their culture. Every person in Thailand is familiar with this type of greeting, and will immediately respond in kind to this gentle and polite gesture.
Graeng Jai … The Polite Thai Art of Refusal
There isn’t a direct translation for Graeng Jai in english, but understanding its sentiment will greatly benefit any visitor to Thailand. Once you think you have it translated, Graeng Jai comes up in different forms. Some attempts at translation are, “I don’t want to impose on others”, “over-polite”, “I don’t want to say what I am really thinking”, and “fear of disrespecting authority,” “high respect for authority, elders or parents.” While frustrating at times, it has a very important role in Thai culture. Throughout Thailand whenever you are invited to join someone for dinner at their baan (house), turning down the offer is a gesture of Graeng Jai. To do this signifies is that you are being considerate, and not rude. This term is actually used quite commonly for any occasion where refusal of different invitations is seen as being respectful of others. It is an old Thai tradition and a means of saving face. While offering to share meals or money with another person is standard, there may not be anything much to share. When the person refuses there is no embarrassment to anyone on either side. If the person really wants to share something with you and it is not an imposition, the request will be emphatically repeated, at which time you can accept with a clear conscience and good manners.
Some Advice on Thai Customs
There are many “do’s” and “don’ts” in Thailand. The Thai people are very gracious and hospitable so they won’t get mad if you do not observe all of their traditional rules and customs, but it is a good idea for any traveler to be familiar with as many of these as possible. You would appreciate visitors to your own country showing the same respect for your own customs.
What is Considered “Inappropriate Attire”
Improper attire is one thing that Thai people frown upon. However, because of their graciousness and Graeng Jai, they may not say anything to you. So it is up to you to learn about it before you go and observe what others are doing. Some of the younger citizens are not as strict about dress codes, but the older people are. A general rule is to not bare shoulders or go shirtless in Thailand’s public places. On the beach, of course, it is no problem. But elsewhere, more traditional clothing is appreciated. Just remember to follow the “not too” reminders when it comes to your dress choices. Not too small, not too tight, not too skimpy and not too revealing.
Buddhism – Spirituality in Thailand
Most Thai people practice Buddhism and this spiritual system colors the everyday life and culture in the country. This belief and faith is shown in many ways. In Thai families when a son reaches the age of around 20 he will actually spend a short time as a monk. This is because it is believed that this action will send the mother and father to a heavenly destination when they die. Becoming a monk for any amount of time is one of the ways that these young men are able to demonstrate their faith in their spiritual beliefs. The temples are very holy structures to Buddhist believers. Always show respect to any statue depicting Buddha, which means no climbing on them, no sitting beside them for a photo-op, and never put a Buddha figure on the floor.
Temple Traditions and Etiquette
In a temple setting rules and tradition are very strict. Your clothing must be acceptable in order to enter the temple. Modest dress choices are your best bet. There are usually sarongs available at all temples that can be worn by both men and women if your clothing is not accepted or is questionable. Shoes come off before ever entering a temple. Sometimes you may see a man at temple wearing a tank tee and shorts, but this is taboo for a woman at the temple. Whether kneeling or sitting in a temple you must not let the soles of your feet face toward the altar. Women are not to touch or hand any objects to a monk at any time. If you need to return something to a monk you should place it on a nearby table where he can then retrieve it. Some monks have a more liberal viewpoint on this and have no problem with touching a woman’s wrist to tie a string around it or a gentle touch on the shoulder. But always follow the monk’s lead.
Respect For The Royal Family and The King
In addition to respecting the Buddhist customs, travelers should understand the respect Thai’s have for King Phumipon Adunyadet and the Thai Royal family. Remember to not make any disparaging or sarcastic comments about the king and his family. Not only would Thai’s be deeply offended and outraged, it is illegal and carries consequences. This might seem outrageous to people who come from countries where they are free to criticize their leaders, however, it is not wise to challenge it (at least within Thailand). For the most part, this law is well-accepted and welcomed by Thais themselves, which suggests the enormous respect they have for their King. Their King and Queen have helped the country prosper and have been instrumental in converting opium production to organic farming, they have gracefully brought Thailand into the modern age while maintaining much of the old tradition, and are generally considered benevolent.
Some Basics to Remember
If you are entering a Thai home please remember to remove your shoes first, this is their tradition. You may even be asked to do this in public restaurants, shops and stores. It’s fun to do and you may want to continue this at your own home. Pointing with fingers and hands is considered rude behavior in Thailand. If you are sitting or kneeling across from others do not let the soles of your feet face them, as this is also considered rude and insulting. Never point at anything or any person with your foot when you are in Thailand. As the feet are thought of as the lowest part of the body it is considered very rude. To use them to indicate something is insulting to them. Refrain from touching someone else’s head, even if it is only to remove a leaf or smooth their hair. The head is thought of as the highest part of the body. It is considered to be very rude for someone else to touch their head. Public displays of any affection are also extremely rude. It is best to not hug or kisses others in public.
Learn From Those Around You
There are so many new sights, sounds and smells in Thailand. When arriving, you will probably be on sensory overload. But as your senses become more accustomed to your surroundings, observe what people are doing and how they are acting. As crazy as it sounds, try to fit in instead of stand out. Observe your body language, your voice volume levels, your group size, your presence. . See if you can start to melt into the madness. Don’t think of it as constricting – think of it as a gentle learning with Thailand as your teacher.
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