Thailand is generally welcoming to visitors, but knowing a few local customs will help you feel more comfortable and show respect. Dress modestly when visiting temples, remove your shoes before entering homes and certain buildings, and avoid touching someone's head or pointing your feet at people or Buddha images. Respect for the Thai royal family is also important. A smile and a few simple Thai words, such as "Sawasdee" (hello) and "Khop khun" (thank you), can make your experience even better.
Visiting a temple
When visiting a Buddhist temple in Thailand, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. This applies to both men and women. You should also remove your shoes before entering temple buildings and take off your hat and sunglasses when appropriate.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok has particularly strict dress rules. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, tight or revealing clothing, and leggings that do not meet the dress requirements.
Remember to treat Buddha images with respect. Never climb on them, touch them inappropriately, or pose in a way that places your feet towards them.
A useful tip: Bring a light scarf or cover-up when sightseeing. It can come in handy if you decide to visit a temple unexpectedly.
Read more: Thai temple dress code /en/blogs/thai-temple-dress-code-guide/ | Temple rituals explained /en/blogs/thai-temple-rituals-meaning-incense-candles-chanting-circumambulation/
Respect for the king and the royal family
The Thai royal family holds an important place in Thai society, and showing respect is an important part of local culture. You will often see portraits of the King in public spaces, shops, offices and government buildings.
Thailand also has strict laws protecting the monarchy. Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code concerns defamation, insults or threats against the King, Queen, heir-apparent or Regent. Foreign visitors should be aware that these laws can apply to them too.
A simple rule for visitors: Avoid making jokes, disrespectful comments or inappropriate gestures about the royal family. You may also notice people treating banknotes carefully because they feature the King's portrait. Avoid stepping on or deliberately disrespecting money.
Everyday manners: the wai, heads and feet
The wai is a traditional Thai greeting made by placing your palms together and slightly bowing your head. You do not need to initiate a wai every time you meet someone. However, returning one is a polite gesture, especially when greeting older people or showing respect.
A smile and a friendly nod are perfectly acceptable too.
There are two important things to remember about Thai body language: the head is traditionally considered the highest and most respected part of the body, while the feet are considered the lowest.
For this reason:
- Avoid touching someone's head, even a child's.
- Do not point your feet towards people or Buddha images.
- Avoid putting your feet on tables or chairs.
- Remove your shoes before entering someone's home and wherever a shoe-removal sign is displayed.
You may also hear the phrase "kreng jai". It describes a Thai social attitude of being considerate and not wanting to inconvenience or pressure others. This is one reason some people may communicate indirectly rather than saying no directly.
Read more: Heads and feet /en/blogs/rules-of-heads-feet-thailand-etiquette/ | Taking shoes off /en/blogs/taking-shoes-off-in-thailand-shops-customs/ | Kreng jai /en/blogs/kreng-jai-thai-culture-meaning-why-thais-say-yes-no/
The national anthem at 8:00 and 18:00
You may experience something unusual during your visit to Thailand: people suddenly stopping what they are doing.
The Thai national anthem is traditionally broadcast at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM in public places, including some parks, train stations and government spaces.
When the anthem plays, people generally stop walking and stand still until it finishes. If you happen to be there, simply pause and follow the people around you.
You may also notice people standing before a movie begins at the cinema. This is for the royal anthem, which is played as a tribute to the monarchy.
Read more: Why Thailand stops at 8am and 6pm /en/blogs/stop-national-anthem-thailand-8am-6pm/
Why it is 2569 in Thailand, and the colours of the days
If you see the year 2569 on a Thai receipt, document or calendar, don't worry. You haven't travelled into the future!
Thailand commonly uses the Buddhist Era (BE) calendar, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar used internationally. That means 2026 is 2569 BE.
Another interesting Thai tradition is the colours associated with each day of the week. Each day has its own traditional colour, and some Thai people choose to wear that colour for good luck or personal beliefs.
The traditional colours are:
- Sunday: Red
- Monday: Yellow
- Tuesday: Pink
- Wednesday: Green
- Thursday: Orange
- Friday: Blue
- Saturday: Purple
You may notice these colours in clothing, decorations or cultural traditions. Not everyone follows this custom, but it remains a familiar part of Thai culture.
Read more: The Thai calendar /en/blogs/thai-calendar-explained-why-year-2569/ | Colours of the days /en/blogs/thailand-days-of-the-week-colors-meaning-history/
Spirit houses and everyday beliefs
As you explore Thailand, you may notice small decorative houses standing outside homes, shops, hotels and office buildings. These are called spirit houses.
Many Thai people believe that spirits inhabit the land, so spirit houses are placed outside buildings as a way to show respect and provide a place for these spirits. People may leave offerings such as flowers, food, water and drinks.
One thing to remember: Avoid touching or moving offerings, as they are part of someone's religious or spiritual practice.
You may also notice red Fanta, incense sticks and colourful decorations at some spirit houses. These offerings are connected to local beliefs and traditions.
Thai beliefs also extend into ghost stories, lucky numbers and lottery traditions, which remain popular topics in everyday conversations.
Read more: Spirit houses /en/blogs/spirit-houses-thailand/ | Scariest Thai ghosts /en/rankings/scariest-thai-ghosts/ | Night-time taboos /en/rankings/thai-ghost-beliefs-nighttime-taboos/
10 Thai words worth knowing
Learning a few Thai words can make everyday interactions much easier. You don't need to speak perfect Thai. Even a small effort is usually appreciated.
Here are 10 useful expressions for your trip:
- Sawasdee (สวัสดี) – Hello / Goodbye
- Khop khun (ขอบคุณ) – Thank you
- Mai pen rai (ไม่เป็นไร) – No problem / Never mind
- Kho thot (ขอโทษ) – Sorry / Excuse me
- Thao rai? (เท่าไหร่?) – How much?
- Mai phet (ไม่เผ็ด) – Not spicy
- Aroi (อร่อย) – Delicious
- Hong nam yoo tee nai? (ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน?) – Where is the toilet?
- Check bin (เช็กบิล) – The bill, please
- Chuay duay! (ช่วยด้วย!) – Help!
A little pronunciation tip:
Thai speakers commonly add polite ending particles to make sentences sound more polite:
- Men: khrap (ครับ)
- Women: kha (ค่ะ)
For example:
- Sawasdee khrap (Hello – male speaker)
- Sawasdee kha (Hello – female speaker)
- Khop khun khrap / kha (Thank you)
You don't have to add these to every single word, but using them in everyday conversations can make your Thai sound more polite.
Read more: 10 Isan phrases /en/blogs/10-isan-phrases-you-should-know/ | Thai love phrases /en/rankings/thai-love-phrases-i-love-you/ | Thai language schools in Bangkok /en/rankings/thai-language-schools-bangkok/
A little history
Thailand has a long and fascinating history. Formerly known internationally as Siam, the country was never formally colonised by a European power.
Its history includes four important capitals: Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Thonburi and Bangkok. Each played a significant role in shaping the Thailand we know today.
In 1932, Thailand transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, marking a major turning point in its political history.
Read more: A short history of Thailand /en/blogs/short-history-of-thailand/ | The Sukhothai kingdom /en/blogs/history-of-sukhothai-kingdom-thailand/
More about Thai life
Thai culture is much more than temples and traditional customs. From the energy of a Muay Thai fight to the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities and the stories behind famous Thai dishes, there is plenty more to discover.
Read more: Muay Thai /en/blogs/muay-thai-more-than-just-a-fight/ | Thai LGBTQ+ words and etiquette /en/blogs/thai-lgbtq-vocabulary-pronouns-etiquette/