TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand is one of the best places to travel with its unique tourist destinations and many Michelin-recommended restaurants. Besides finding out areas to visit, tourists must also understand the country's etiquette and manners. It is so that you can enjoy the trip and be welcomed by the locals.
Here are the etiquettes that tourists must follow when travelling in Thailand.
1. Remove shoes
When visiting Thailand, travelers must remove their shoes when entering a building, whether a house, a guesthouse, or a shop. Thais do not like dirty shoes soles to soil their homes or shops. Therefore, visitors must always remove their sandals and shoes when visiting various buildings in the Land of White Elephants.
2. No pointing with the foot or hand
As reported by Daily Mail, destination expert at Destination 2, Betty Bouchier-Hobin, stated that pointing with the foot towards sacred objects, food, and books is considered impolite. If necessary, she added, try using your entire hand or a gentle nod of your head instead.
3. Avoid stepping on the door sill
If one does not want to be scolded by Thai people, when entering a building, travelers should step over the door sill rather than stepping on it. Betty said the door sill often holds spiritual significance, especially in temples, it is important to show respect.
4. Do not touch someone's head
For Thais, the head is a sacred part of the body, so it is not allowed to touch someone's head even in a loving or joking context. Betty explained that you should always ask for permission first if you are in a situation where you have to touch someone's head.
5. Dress modestly when visiting a temple
One of the attractions of this country is the many temples built. When going to a temple, tourists must wear modest and appropriate clothing. It doesn't hurt to buy or bring a scarf to cover up even more.
6. Use the wai greeting
Wai is a greeting with both palms pressed together at chest level and a slight bow of the head. This greeting is a form of respect and getting closer to the locals.
7. Keep quiet
Wherever tourists are, including in the temple, keeping noise to a minimum is necessary. Loud voices are seen as a disturbance. The residents appreciate a calm and relaxed attitude, so overly emotional behavior is unpleasant.
8. Respect the queue culture
Queuing is a culture that must be followed while travelling in Thailand. Using transportation, passing through busy markets, and so on, are done as a form of courtesy.
9. Be careful when taking photos
Privacy is the right of every person, you must grant permission first when taking a photo of someone. Taking photos of monks and sacred places without permission is considered impolite.
10. Respect the royal family
Making fun of or making negative comments about the royal family can lead to tourists being punished. Director of Away Holiday Shuban Kotwall said Thais greatly respect their Royal Family.
11. Respect the tipping culture
Tipping the staff at tourist spots is a Thai culture. However, do not overdo it as it may be seen as demeaning.
12. Use the right hand when shopping
Similar to the custom in Indonesia, this country requires using the right hand, supported by the left hand, when giving and receiving items.
13. Always smile
Thailand is known as 'The Land of Smiles' because the locals are always smiling and friendly. Tourists need to smile to maintain friendliness and closeness with the locals.
NIA NUR FADILLAH | DAILY MAIL
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