SPICE! Dos & Don’ts
Many Thai people are among the most caring and hospitable people in the world. Thailand is diff erent from home…that’s why we are all here, and there are important things you need to know and understand so no one says you are “mai supap” (not polite):
• Thai people avoid confrontation. Also, as they don’t like having to say ‘no,’ so they will say ‘yes’ and it may take a while before you understand that they don’t have or can’t do something you request.
• Avoid losing your temper at all costs—Thai people think such behaviour is rude.
• In general, loud conversation is not appreciated, particularly on a mobile phone in a restaurant.
• Try not to be too particular. If you feel frustrated by something trivial, don’t voice it. Please don’t compare the situation out loud to somewhere else—it hurts people’s feelings. Also, Thai people don’t understand sarcasm and rarely use comparisons.
• Don’t treat Thai people as though they were stupid. They are intelligent and polite, and their civilization has been here a long time. Their monarchy, writt en alphabet, language, Muay Thai and sect of Buddhism are all uniquely Thai.
• Many of the architectural wonders to visit are Buddhist temples (called “wat”in Thai). When visiting temples, dress decently; no shorts, no tank top or sleeveless shirt, butt on your shirt up and remove any hat. When going inside, take your shoes off .
• When visiting with Thais take your shoes off when going into someone’s room, office or shop if you see shoes outside the door. Don’t put your feet on anything other than the ground because it is impolite to point with feet or turn the bott om of your foot up towards someone, to a painting of a Royal Family member, a monk or towards any Buddha object.
• Public display of aff ection is inappropriate. You can hold hands but no more.
• Don’t assume merchants are out to cheat you. Thai people are generally honest and kind. Most small shop vendors expect you to ask for a lower price. Many Thais think it is fun dealing with foreigners if they are smiling and good negotiators!
• Reconfi rm on the day of an appointment for a date or ANY meeting. Thai time can run quite late and sometimes are a “no show” later saying, “I was busy.
• The national anthem is played each morning at 8:00 am, each evening at 6:00 pm on TV,radio, in public meetings, and prior to fi lms and theatrical shows. If you are outside, please stand still. If you are in a movie theatre, please stand.
• Remember, you are an unoffi cial ambassador for your country—the way you dress and behave is important and refl ects on all non-Thais.
• Thai culture embraces all people. Every foreigner who takes the time and eff ort to bett er understand what is polite and what is not in Thai society will reap the rewards. You can’t go wrong being kind, friendly, courteous, respectful, and by obeying the laws. When all else fails in dealing with a Thai person just smile and say, “Mi Pen Rai!”(Thai for “It doesn’t really matt er”.)
• A Final Warning: Don’t even THINK about having sex with someone under 18. Thais are issued a national ID card at age 15 so always ask to see a potential date’s ID card. His birthday will be shown in English with Christian year of birth.
• Avoid losing your temper at all costs—Thai people think such behaviour is rude.
• In general, loud conversation is not appreciated, particularly on a mobile phone in a restaurant.
• Try not to be too particular. If you feel frustrated by something trivial, don’t voice it. Please don’t compare the situation out loud to somewhere else—it hurts people’s feelings. Also, Thai people don’t understand sarcasm and rarely use comparisons.
• Don’t treat Thai people as though they were stupid. They are intelligent and polite, and their civilization has been here a long time. Their monarchy, writt en alphabet, language, Muay Thai and sect of Buddhism are all uniquely Thai.
• Many of the architectural wonders to visit are Buddhist temples (called “wat”in Thai). When visiting temples, dress decently; no shorts, no tank top or sleeveless shirt, butt on your shirt up and remove any hat. When going inside, take your shoes off .
• When visiting with Thais take your shoes off when going into someone’s room, office or shop if you see shoes outside the door. Don’t put your feet on anything other than the ground because it is impolite to point with feet or turn the bott om of your foot up towards someone, to a painting of a Royal Family member, a monk or towards any Buddha object.
• Public display of aff ection is inappropriate. You can hold hands but no more.
• Don’t assume merchants are out to cheat you. Thai people are generally honest and kind. Most small shop vendors expect you to ask for a lower price. Many Thais think it is fun dealing with foreigners if they are smiling and good negotiators!
• Reconfi rm on the day of an appointment for a date or ANY meeting. Thai time can run quite late and sometimes are a “no show” later saying, “I was busy.
• The national anthem is played each morning at 8:00 am, each evening at 6:00 pm on TV,radio, in public meetings, and prior to fi lms and theatrical shows. If you are outside, please stand still. If you are in a movie theatre, please stand.
• Remember, you are an unoffi cial ambassador for your country—the way you dress and behave is important and refl ects on all non-Thais.
• Thai culture embraces all people. Every foreigner who takes the time and eff ort to bett er understand what is polite and what is not in Thai society will reap the rewards. You can’t go wrong being kind, friendly, courteous, respectful, and by obeying the laws. When all else fails in dealing with a Thai person just smile and say, “Mi Pen Rai!”(Thai for “It doesn’t really matt er”.)
• A Final Warning: Don’t even THINK about having sex with someone under 18. Thais are issued a national ID card at age 15 so always ask to see a potential date’s ID card. His birthday will be shown in English with Christian year of birth.
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