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Stand Up for National Anthem and other Bangkok, Thailand Local Custom Tips

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Home » Asia » Thailand » Central & Eastern Thailand » Bangkok » Arjaree's Bangkok Page » Stand Up for National Anthem and other Bangkok, Thailand Local Custom Tips

Bangkok Local Custom Tips by Arjaree

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Arjaree   
Mind is like a parachute, it works best when open.


Real Name: AJ
Lives In: Paris, FR
Member Since: Sep 19, 2004
VT Rank: 1202

 
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Bangkok Local Customs
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Respect for Royalty: Stand Up for National Anthem
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  • Written by Arjaree on Oct 3, 2004
  • Bangkok Travel Guide
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  • Bangkok Respect for Royalty
  • Everybody, please stand up!
  • by Arjaree
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  • At 8am and 6pm, it's time for national anthem. In public, around these specific time, dont get freaked out when you see people stop walking ll of the sudden and stand still. The song you hear is our national anthem. It's our custom to pay respect to the country, to the royal family, to the past, through this song. We wont call you names or anything if you keep on walking. It would be nice though if you do the same.

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    Local Customs: We Use A Spoon...
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  • Written by Arjaree on Oct 6, 2004
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  • ...to eat rice, noodles, pasta, soup, anything and everything. Spoon plays a significant role in our Thai table manners. While Americans and Europeans use fork and Chineses use chopsticks, Thais use spoon. (though many use chopsticks for noodles)

    However, its not a big deal. Just use whatever you feel comfortable with. Cos when it comes to eating, you should just enjoy it!

    But don't eat like a pig..............And since you're not in Japan or China, try not to make noise when eating or sipping a soup. Thais don't think that is a way to compliment the food. Period.

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    Shoes - when to take them off: Shoes Off First!
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  • Written by Arjaree on Oct 12, 2004
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  • Thais like to show off our feet to one another. JOKING. No we're not a foot fetish or anything like that. No offense to those who are...

    Its our way to take off shoes before entering a house. How can you not? Look at the streets, there you see doggies' poop..this and that everywhere.

    This also is a must for when you go to a temple.

    Add:
    Even though nowadays, we pamper our feet more like a foot massage or some beauty treatment or product just for feet.. We still regard them as the lowest and hmm dirtiest part of the body.

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    People: Religions
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  • Written by Arjaree on Nov 2, 2004
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  • About 95% of Thais are buddhist. However, Thais tend to respect all religions. You will see many buddhists go to a Hindu temple, a Chinese one, or even a church.

    In the pic, it's the main Hindu temple in Silom area. We call it "Wat Khaek". There are always people going there to pay a respect and pray.

    For Thais, sometimes it's not just about the religion you're labeled to have since you were not yet born. It's about superstitious beliefs. It's about respect.

    PS It's somehow popular for some Westerners who decorate their yard, bathroom, or whatsoever, with a buddha image. That behavior is considered disrespect to our religion and ALL buddhists. So if you happen to know someone who have such a decors style, maybe you can help them out.

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    Comments for Arjaree about Bangkok
    DKBK Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:39 UTC
     Good suggestion. But, for tourists stupid enough to hang out in Nana and Patpong, they deserve to pay way more for a taxi.
    manuelEB Tue Jun 26, 2007 12:49 UTC
     Maybe at the end of the day, Budhism is not a religion but a philosophical path... In that case, no problems visiting religious places, including monotheistic stuff. GReat page here!
    Flinca Tue Oct 17, 2006 19:05 UTC
     Hey Arjaree, you look like the girl that took me to Tapas, the bar that you recommended! -FEE
    trespa Thu Jul 6, 2006 06:25 UTC
     Hi Arjaree! I know there is cheap software in Khao San. Will you send to me? I will pay through PayPal! Thank you. Trespa (I just added you as my friend)
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