Things Not to Do in Thailand

Steve Jennifer
Updated: May 2, 2024

Thailand is a tropical paradise popular with tourists from around the globe. While Thai people are friendly, some tourist behaviours can rub locals the wrong way. Visiting a foreign country is like entering a distant relative's home, complete with unfamiliar rules. To avoid offending your Thai hosts, be mindful of words, gestures, and habits that may seem harmless elsewhere but are taboo here.

01. Don’t Show Public Displays of Affection

While it might seem natural to hold hands or kiss your partner in public, in Thailand, public displays of affection can be considered disrespectful. Thai society generally values modesty, and such behavior may make locals uncomfortable or even offended. Keeping physical intimacy private demonstrates respect for the country's cultural norms. Opt for subtle gestures like walking arm-in-arm to show affection without causing a cultural faux pas.

02. Don’t Point at People or Objects with Your Feet

In Thailand, pointing at people or objects with your feet is considered highly disrespectful. The feet are seen as the lowest, dirtiest part of the body, while the head is revered as the highest. Be mindful of your foot positioning, especially when sitting or crossing your legs. Avoid pointing them at people, religious artifacts, or other objects of significance, and refrain from using them to move or push things.

03. Don’t Touch People’s Heads

Thai culture considers the head the most sacred part of the body, and touching another person's head is deemed rude and invasive. Even playfully ruffling a child's hair or patting a friend's head can be offensive. Respect people's personal space and avoid touching their heads, particularly when interacting with children and elders. By acknowledging this cultural sensitivity, you demonstrate respect for Thai customs and build positive interactions.

04. Don't Skip the Street Food

Street food in Thailand is among the world's finest, offering a culinary journey through the country's diverse flavors. While some tourists may balk at open-air food stalls, Thai street food is both delicious and safe. Vendors rely on their reputation to attract local customers, ensuring high standards. Watch your meal being prepared right before your eyes, just like at a fancy restaurant, for reassurance. This is a great way to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine at affordable prices.

05. Don't Bring Durian Fruit to Public Places

Durian fruit is a sought-after delicacy in Thailand, known for its unique taste and pungent smell. Despite its melon-like size and spiky exterior, its overwhelming odor is what stands out. Due to its potent scent, restaurants and supermarkets rarely stock durian. Street vendors offer this prized fruit, but avoid eating it in public, as its smell can offend others. Even taxis ban it, so if you need to transport durian, keep it tightly wrapped to contain the odor.

06. Don't Mistreat Animals for Photos

Riding elephants or petting tigers may seem like an exciting adventure, but the abuse animals endure at some attractions is a serious concern. Elephants are intelligent, sensitive creatures that require expert care. Unfortunately, some trainers prioritize profit over animal welfare. Tigers, kept in cramped conditions at petting zoos, are often drugged to prevent them from attacking visitors. Beyond the cruelty, these practices endanger these species' survival. Avoid supporting such activities, and seek responsible wildlife experiences instead.

07. Don't Overindulge in Alcohol

Enjoying a drink is part of many vacation plans, and Thailand's vibrant nightlife offers plenty of opportunities. However, Thai establishments may not follow the same strict alcohol measurements as other countries. A vodka and coke might be mostly vodka, increasing the risk of overindulgence. Excessive drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, shocking locals and leaving you with regrets the next morning. Remember your limits, stay hydrated with water, and enjoy responsibly.

08. Don't Dress Disrespectfully

While Thailand's beaches encourage casual attire, it's essential to dress respectfully in other settings. Thai people find exposing bare arms or legs in public offensive. Many locals tolerate tourists' dress, but it doesn't make it right. Consider how you'd dress for a church service and apply the same respect at temples and cultural sites. A lightweight shawl can be a quick cover-up for impromptu sightseeing, preventing refusal of entry at museums, temples, and shrines.

09. Don't Experiment with Recreational Drugs

Thailand has a reputation as a recreational drug destination, but drugs remain illegal. Possession can lead to lengthy prison sentences, and bribery to avoid arrest is common. Police may pose as drug sellers to entrap tourists, demanding bribes to release them. Additionally, the content of street drugs is unpredictable and potentially dangerous. The safest choice is to avoid recreational drugs entirely, ensuring a trouble-free trip.

10. Don't Be Unprepared for the Weather

Thailand's wet and dry seasons can catch travellers off guard. During the rainy monsoon season, walking in flip-flops can leave feet dirty and make slippery steps treacherous. In the mountainous regions, temperatures can drop, even in the hot season. Prepare for weather changes by packing appropriately, including sturdy shoes and warm layers. Being caught in cold rain can lead to hypothermia, turning a memorable trip into a miserable experience.

TAGS: asia thailand tips

Things Not to Do in Thailand

01. Don’t Show Public Displays of Affection