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Respect for Royalty and other Bangkok, Thailand Local Custom Tips

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Bangkok Local Custom Tips by Unknownsu

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Unknownsu   
To have an open mind is to believe anything is possible.


Real Name: Jimmy
Lives In: Calgary, CA
Member Since: Feb 13, 2002
VT Rank: 1104

 
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Bangkok Local Customs
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Respect for Royalty: Respect for Royalty
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  • Written by Unknownsu on Jul 11, 2003
  • Bangkok Travel Guide
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  • Under no conditional should you defame the King or any member of the royal family. Even stepping on money carrying the king's image to stop it from being blown away can potentially land the owner of the offending foot in jail. Jokes about the royal family won't go down well and is a topic best avoided.

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    Local Customs: Save Face
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  • Written by Unknownsu on Jul 11, 2003
  • Bangkok Travel Guide
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  • Like other Asians, Thais attach a great deal of importance to the concept of face, which involves gaining, preserving and enhancing respect and status. Foreigners should avoid actions or words that may cause a Thai to lose face in public. If criticism or potentially status-damaging actions or words are necessary, try to find a more subtle way of getting your message across. The Thai would probably respond appropriately.

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    Buddhism / Monks: Buddhism
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  • Written by Unknownsu on Jul 11, 2003
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  • Two things that Thais revere most are faith (Buddhism) and monarchy, and it would be a grievous offense to criticize one or both. They are forbidden from coming into contact with women so tourists should treat every Buddha image, small or large, with the same reverence the locals do.

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    Feet (and Heads): Head and Feet
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  • Written by Unknownsu on Jul 11, 2003
  • Bangkok Travel Guide
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  • Thais believe the head to be the most sacred part of the body. Thus, refrain from touching a Thai on the head, especially an adult, even as a friendly gesture. The feet are also off limits. They are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body so trying keeping your feet on the grounds at all times.

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    General Dos and Don'ts: In Public
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  • Written by Unknownsu on Jul 11, 2003
  • Bangkok Travel Guide
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  • Displays of affection between the sexes in public are not common in Thailand, and would be frowned upon. Personal hygiene and cleanliness are very important. Thais generally bathe at least twice a day and tend to dress very politely.

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    The Wai - Traditional Thai Greeting: Wai
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  • Written by Unknownsu on Jul 11, 2003
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  • The traditional Thai greeting is not a handshake but a wai, where the hands are brought together in front of the chin. The younger or lower-ranking person wais first, but don't let this stand in your way if you feel someone merits a wai. Shaking hands is also becoming a commom feature in everyday Thai life. If in doubt, let the local initiate the greeting.

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    Comments for Unknownsu about Bangkok
    DKBK Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:51 UTC
     Good suggestions. Thanks.
    volopolo Fri Nov 23, 2007 14:16 UTC
     BANGKOK! I love this city!
    y_lyn Mon Sep 10, 2007 13:18 UTC
     Like the photo on the floating market.... Interesting :)
    Tina-Perth Mon Aug 13, 2007 01:38 UTC
     Oooooh, those fat grubs look so revolting! I have seen the insects and pupae before, but not the fat grubs. Yuck!
    See More Comments

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