Thailand is relaxed and forgiving, and locals do not expect visitors to know every custom. A handful of rules, though, are taken seriously, and getting them right shows respect and smooths the whole trip. Here are the do's and don'ts that matter in Thailand, covering temples, the monarchy, everyday etiquette and the scams first timers meet. For the practical side of planning, see our Thailand travel guide and our Thailand travel tips.
Temples and religion
- Do cover your shoulders and knees at temples, and remove your shoes before entering a shrine building.
- Do sit with your feet tucked behind you, never pointing at a Buddha image.
- Don't touch or climb on Buddha statues, or pose disrespectfully for photos with them.
- Don't interrupt or stand above monks, and women should avoid touching a monk or handing something directly to one.
The monarchy
- Do treat the royal family with respect. Stand for the royal anthem if it plays in a cinema or public space.
- Don't ever make a joke or negative comment about the monarchy. Lese majeste is a serious criminal offence, strictly enforced.
- Don't deface or step on money or images that carry the king's face, even by accident.
The head and the feet
- Don't touch anyone on the head, including children. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body.
- Don't point your feet at people, images or shrines, and do not use a foot to move or point at anything.
- Do step over, not on, any doorway threshold in temples and traditional homes.
Everyday etiquette
- Do return a wai, the palms together greeting, with a slight bow if someone offers one to you.
- Do stay calm and smile in disputes. Losing your temper makes everyone lose face and rarely helps.
- Don't feel you must tip, though rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated in restaurants.
- Do dress modestly away from the beach. Beachwear is for the beach, not temples, shops or towns.
Scams and safety to avoid
- Don't trust a stranger who says a temple or attraction is closed and offers a tuk tuk tour instead. It ends at a gem or tailor shop.
- Don't hand your passport to a scooter or jet ski rental shop. Photos of damage you did not cause are a classic scam.
- Do agree taxi fares up front or use the Grab app, and insist on the meter where one exists.
- Don't touch drugs. Penalties in Thailand are severe, and cannabis rules have been tightening again.
If you would rather have the logistics handled for you, compare a Thailand tour package to see what a bundled trip covers.
Frequently asked questions
What should you not do in Thailand?
Never disrespect the monarchy, do not touch people on the head or point your feet at anyone or any Buddha image, and do not wear beachwear at temples. Avoid the closed-attraction tuk tuk scam and never hand your passport to a rental shop.
Is it rude not to tip in Thailand?
No. Tipping is not obligatory, though leaving small change or rounding up the bill is appreciated in restaurants and for good service.
What do I wear to a temple in Thailand?
Cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes before entering shrine buildings, and avoid tight or revealing clothing. Carry a light scarf or sarong to cover up when needed.
More Thailand travel guides
- Thailand Travel Guide: Beaches, Cities, Food and How to Plan a First Trip
- Thailand Travel Tips: What First Time Visitors Need to Know
- Is Thailand Safe? An Honest Travel Safety Guide
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