Bangkok Local Custom Tips by Arjaree

Religions People Review

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.

Shoes Off First! Shoes - when to take them off Review

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.

We Use A Spoon...

...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.

Stand Up for National Anthem Respect for Royalty Review

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.