It is believed that respecting the local culture would surely enhance your travelling experience to Thailand.
Non-verbal communication is as important and relevant as verbal communication. Think about it, if you go to a certain part of the world where you have no knowledge about the language, how would you interact with locals? The answer is simple; you would mostly rely on non-verbal communication and the power of gestures. Now Thai culture is all about having a polite exchange and following certain etiquettes. This could be done with the help of many gestures, which are more powerful and impactful than their spoken language. Here is a complete guide to various Thai gestures.
“Wai”, the traditional Thai greeting.
Although, Thai people are quite comfortable and receptive to the usual western practice of handshaking, and they would do that to make the westerners comfortable. But the traditional Thai greeting called “Wai” is still practisedall across Thailand. It is used to greet someone, show gratitude, show respect, or even for an apology. The correct way to do it is by folding your hand in the prayer position that is raised upwards towards the face. Your head and eyes should be lowered. So, one must return “Wai”, as it is considered impolite and doing it correctly would not only charm the locals but make them appreciate your efforts as well.
The feet.
Thais consider feet as the lowest and dirty part of the body, so try not to point your feet to any sacred item (like a Buddha idol) or a person with feet. And like all the Asian cultures, always remove your shoes before entering a house, store or even a business spot.
The hands.
It is considered polite to receive or present things using both your hands, especially when you are just introduced to someone, or you meet someone who is revered or elder to you. But keep in mind, use both your hands, or if you have to use only one hand, then use your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean, so it should not be used to shake hands or eat.
The head.
In Thailand, it is considered unpolite to touch someone’s head as the head is the sacred part of the body. Be very conscious about this rule and avoid touching a child’s head, especially. It is believed that the child’s Kwan or individual spirit could be harmed this way. People also consider standing tall over someone who is older than you very impolite.
So, which one of these etiquettes is practised in your home country?
