Dos and Don'ts in Bangkok

How to greet a local

• Place my palms together as if I'm saying a prayer. This is the wai gesture.
• The tips of my fingers should be somewhere between my chin and nose; closer to the nose if I am greeting a person of higher honour, e.g. an elderly.
• For females, you say 'sawa-dii-kha'. For males, you say 'sawa-dii-khrap'.

Avoid losing your temper

• Bangkok is the Land of Smiles, so avoid losing your temper under any circumstances, because this means a loss of face for both you and those around. Always keep a cool head and look on the bright side.

Avoid the feet and head

• Never point your feet at people or things because it is the lowest part of the body, physically and spirtually.
• Similarly, as the head is regarded as the highest part of the body, never touch a Thai on the head. But do apologize immediately if you accidentally do so, or it's considered very rude.

Public Displays of affection

• You may see the younger, more "modernised" Thai couples holding hands in the cities, like Bangkok. But generally, for Thai culture, public displays of affection is frowned upon.

For Women

• Do not touch a Buddhist monk if you are a woman. If you want to give something a mon, pass it to a man who will pass it to the monk. Or, spread a cloth in front of the monk and place your gift on it.