A wave and smile is commonplace. It is also considered very disrespectful to touch the top of someone's head, or to have feet pointing at someone. Do not put feet up on the furniture, ever, even in the most relaxed of Thai homes.
The Tips of Your Toes to the Crown of Your Head:
Pointing your feet toward someone, or touching objects with your feet is considered very rude in Thailand. Also, placing them on chairs, tables, desks, or any other furniture is considered rude in Thailand.
Head: Never touch someone on the top of their head. It is considered to be the most sacred part of the body. Feet: Feet are considered to be the dirtiest part of the body and should not be used to point at things or move objects. The soles of one's feet should not be pointed at others.
Dos & Donts Of Thai Gestures In Thailand
In Thailand, for example, pointing with your feet or touching someone's head is considered disrespectful, while in India, showing the soles of your feet or shoes is also considered disrespectful.
Greetings are accompanied by the gesture known as a 'wai', which is the placing of two palms together, with fingertips touching the nose. A wai indicates the level of respect for another person and is an acknowledgement of seniority. A person should bow their head with their palms pressed together to indicate respect.
Holding hands is OK for foreigners, but rarely seen at locals. * It is not acceptable to touch someone's head – not even children's; the head is considered to be the most sacred part of the human body.
Sometimes, both hands are used, but it is taboo to use only ones left hand. Pointing at another person with one's index finger or feet is considered rude. The soles of one's feet should never be pointed at another person. One should sit in a way that avoids this.
But avoid resting your chin in your hand and placing your elbow on the table while talking to other people, especially someone senior than you, this is considered disrespectful in Thailand. Don't blow your nose - It is common to have a runny nose after eating spicy food, but don't blow your nose at the table.
Never clap, snap your fingers, or whistle to get someone's attention, as this considered is very rude in Thai culture.
Respect your parents: Thais hold their parents in very high regard. It goes along with the idea of respecting your elders. They will never, ever hurt their parents or make them cry. It is believed that doing so can give you very bad luck.
Thailand is a conservative country, so hugging and kissing in public places is considered impolite in Thai society.
As such, public displays of affection are frowned upon by most Thais. While it is acceptable to hold the hand of your other half in public, kissing and hugging should not be done; in temple grounds, everything, even holding hands, is considered quite improper.
Unlike many western countries, you are not expected to finish all of the food on your plate (although it's not rude to do so). Finish whatever you can and only stop when you're full. It's never a good idea to waste food, but it's not seen as much of an issue in Thailand when compared to other places you might visit.
Tipping in Thailand is not customary and there are no requirements to tip anyone, leaving a small gratuity for great service is appreciated, but unlike other parts of the world you will never see a Thai service provider with their hand out expecting to be tipped.
If you are at a restaurant and want to get the attention of the waiter or waitresses you can say 'khun khap' or 'khun ka'. This is very polite and will be appreciated. If you listen to Thai people calling to the waiter or waitress you will probably hear them say something entirely different.
Thai people always refer to and identify others by their personal name. It is incorrect to address someone by their title and surname (as is Western practice).
A wave and smile is commonplace. It is also considered very disrespectful to touch the top of someone's head, or to have feet pointing at someone. Do not put feet up on the furniture, ever, even in the most relaxed of Thai homes.
A taboo, also spelled tabu, is a social group's ban, prohibition, or avoidance of something (usually an utterance or behavior) based on the group's sense that it is excessively repulsive, offensive, sacred, or allowed only for certain people. Such prohibitions are present in virtually all societies.
They are quite modest dressers and it's an integral part of their culture, not a fashion statement. So neat, clean clothing makes you look good and is the best bet for gaining respect. In mainland Thailand, no matter how hot and humid it is, don't wear sleeveless tops or short shorts when in public areas.
It is illegal to defame, insult, or threaten the monarch of Thailand (king, queen, heir-apparent, heir-presumptive, or regent). Modern Thai lèse-majesté law has been on the statute books since 1908. Thailand is the only constitutional monarchy to have strengthened its lèse-majesté law since World War II.
The basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees (both sexes), and ideally, you'd cover your ankles too.