Backpacking Thailand

That Thailand is such a different culture to ours in the West is one of the key draws of the Land of Smiles. But at the same time, a different culture can offer up pitfalls for the unknowing tourist to step right into and possibly cause offence or annoyance to the locals in the process. Clue yourself in before you go by making sure you are aware of the following possible chances to put your foot in it.

• Many Thais are both religious and superstitious. Most Thai dwellings, including family-run restaurants, will have a shrine to their ancestors to which the owners will regularly offer blessings. Don’t touch or disturb the photographs or other objects that may form part of the shrine; they are sacred.
  
  
• The head is both literally and figuratively the highest point of the body in Thailand. Avoid touching or patting any Thai people on the head; it can be considered very disrespectful. If you’ve seen the film Gran Torino, you’ll know this already!
  
  
• Likewise, the feet are the lowest (and dirtiest) point of the body. Avoid pointing the soles of your feet at anyone (say, when sitting on the floor, or putting your feet up – which you shouldn’t be doing anyway!), as it can be deemed offensive. Sitting cross-legged is your best bet.
  
  
• Outside of the big urban areas you are likely to see a few Buddhist monks in their distinctive robes going about town. In some cities (such as Chiang Mai) you may even see the chance to take part in a ‘Monk Chat’ where you can learn about the monks’ lifestyles in exchange for them practising English. Women need to be aware that they should never touch a monk, even if by mistake (say by brushing past). Give them a wide berth, ladies! To avoid such a circumstance on public transport, you may see roped-off sections labelled with signs in Thai. Never sit in any roped-off section on Thai public transport, as it’s likely it is reserved exclusively for monks.
  
  
• The Thais are a patriotic lot. Every day without fail at 6pm the Thai National Anthem is played in public areas that have PA systems (e.g. main squares, train stations and BTS Skytrain stations). If you’re in one of these places at this time, it is polite to stop what you are doing, stop talking and stand still for the duration of the anthem. (It’s only short, and it’s a great tune which you’ll grow to love!). Also note that when you go to see a film in Thailand, either the national anthem or the royal anthem is played before every screening. The screen should prompt you to “stand for the anthem” or “pay your respects to His Majesty the King” – if in doubt, follow what the Thai people in the audience do.
  
  
• And finally, here’s the absolute, must-know BIGGIE. Not knowing this can get you arrested…
  The King of Thailand is revered by all to an almost divine level. In such a divided land as Thailand, he is the sole uniter of rich and poor. When the King speaks, everyone listens – and obeys. It is a criminal offence to degrade the King in any way. This may include, but not be limited to: criticising or badmouthing him in public (watch what you say – don’t talk monarchies or Thai politics!), damaging or defacing any image of him, be it a picture, statue or otherwise (a Swiss tourist was arrested recently for defacing a picture of the King), publicly urinating against a building or sign with his image (use the toilet or a farmer’s empty field!), or damaging a coin or note (furthermore, if you drop a coin, don’t stop it rolling away by putting your foot on it – it has the King’s head on it and you’re touching it with the dirtiest part of your body – double faux pas! Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll be arrested, it is seen as disrespectful), or any number of things. Respect the King!
  
  
  Got all that! Good! If not, don’t worry. As a farang (foreigner) you will likely be excused any offence you may inadvertently cause. But it pays well to be aware of cultural sensitivities such as the above, especially the issues surrounding the King, and by heeding to them it will in turn give you and your country a good reputation amongst the Thais you encounter. Well done Ambassador – have a Ferrero Rocher!