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Simple way
to find the butcher, baker, candle-stick maker and a whole lot more
in Hua Hin
The most
important thing to remember is that you are a guest in Thailand and
you need to unswervingly respect Thai culture
Below are a few
words of advice :
-
The Monarchy
- Thailand is
a constitutional monarchy and the royal family is highly
revered. Any criticism of the royal family is not only viewed as
extremely disrespectful but under Thai 'Lese Majeste' laws is a
criminal offense. NEVER talk about the royal family. If you find yourself in a conversation where
someone is talking about the royal family (whether critical or
not) best thing is to leave
-
Be Civil -
Not everything goes to plan. Keep a cool head and be polite.
Yelling and aggressive behaviour will only get you in trouble,
perhaps even in the hospital
-
Dress Sense
- Appearance is important to Thai people and, whilst some norms
may be relaxed in popular tourist areas, generally Thais are
very sensitive about men walking around without a shirt on and
ladies wearing 'skimpy' clothing in the street. It is viewed as
particularly impolite and offensive. Simple solution is to cover
up. Shoulders should always be covered and for ladies skirts
should be knee length. The colour black should be avoided as
generally this is only worn for funerals or times of mourning
-
Footwear - When you
enter a Thai residence/temple make sure you take off your shoes
and never put your feet up on the furniture as the feet are
considered the lowest of low
-
National
Anthem - Always stop
whatever you are doing and stand for the National Anthem
-
Temples - Buddha
images and temple paraphernalia are highly revered and if in a temple it is wise to never
touch or come close to such
-
Body Contact
- Touching
someone's head is considered highly offensive
-
Business
Etiquette - Courtesy is extremely important to Thai people. If
you anger or insult someone and cause them to 'lose face' your
business endeavours will be doomed from the outset. Be polite,
courteous, listen and respond accordingly in a quiet manner.
Decisions are not determined in group meetings but beforehand
and between individuals based upon their mutual respect of each
other. The idea is to build personal relationships and establish
agreements before any meeting. If you are offered a business
card make sure you take some time to read it and acknowledge the
person offering it and their title
-
The 'Wai' -
Thai people greet each other with a Wai and the correct response
can be confusing to foreigners. With a Wai the hands are clasped
as if in prayer and the head is bowed as a sign of respect and
dependent upon social standing, age, etc, this is administered
with different degrees of deference. If you are uncertain about
this custom or how to respond to a Wai it is best to simply bow
your head, acknowledge the person by name and not try to respond
to the Wai with your hands as if done incorrectly may
unwittingly cause offence
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