From the disrespect of locals to the rude “farang” to serious fines and even imprisonment – unwritten rules of conduct in Thailand can be very expensive for a careless tourist. As a blogger, a professional tourist, told her Yandex.Zen channel, “it’s very easy to offend someone here, even with an accidental gesture,” and there is a risk of going to jail for what is considered a completely innocent pastime in our country.
Then the tourist gave the main list of things that can not be done in Thailand:
To show disrespect to the king: “In any province of Thailand you will see portraits of the royal family. They are everywhere! By no means do I want to convey that I recommend for the mother to be inactive. Never laugh or show disrespect for the royal dynasty. They can be fined or even imprisoned for this, ”the tourist wrote.
Touching another’s head: “Thais consider heads sacred. It is said that this is where the soul lives. Touching someone else’s head is the height of obscenity and disrespect. Never touch the heads of Thais, “she said. This is especially true for children – they should also not try to pat on the head.
Violate personal boundaries. This is in fact a continuation of the previous paragraph. “Once again, it is better not to touch the locals at all. Do not try to hug them or shake their hand. The best thanks, congratulations or farewells are in words, ”the tourist says.
Demonstrate disrespect for Buddhism. Yes, you can’t turn your back on the Buddha or point your toe at him. The fine is not threatened, but the local population will not approve. You should also not touch the tray, enter the temples in shoes and with open legs / shoulders, cross your legs in the presence of monks.
Use random gestures: for example, it is considered disrespectful to point to something with your toe or toe. Shoe the waiter in the restaurant with a properly raised hand, slightly clenched into a fist (thumbs up is considered disrespectful).
The tourist warns that the import of e-cigarettes and vapes to Thailand is not prohibited by law, but they are subject to a significant tax, and the fine for smoking in a public place is four times the cost of the “unit”. Moreover, for the production and distribution of vapes in Thailand, you can get up to 10 years in prison (depending on the scale of “criminal” activities), so if you need to have an e-cigarette, then show it to customs so that importation into the country is legal . “And don’t go outside your house or hotel with her,” he added.
Romance is obscene! Despite the country’s fame as a mecca for sex tourism, it is considered indecent to hug and kiss in the presence of strangers. At least in non-tourist places. “Girls are also forbidden to sunbathe and swim topless here (although nudist beaches in Thailand are not uncommon),” the expert added. In addition, Thais are shocked to find out about people – respect is not conducive.
Don’t undress: here, according to the blogger, door plates can help a tourist. “Many of them point to the need to take off their shoes. Never enter the temple in slippers. Most often, shoes have to be removed in a massage parlor, in a private store, and, of course, on a visit, “- says the tourist.
Gambling is a risky point for those who like to play cards on the beach. “In Thailand, you can get a serious fine for this. If it’s more serious (for example, you’ve set up a poker club and you’re going to be a big company), you can even go to jail, ”says the blogger.
Spread negative reviews or, as the blogger writes, slander. And voices the following comment. “Recently, a case of a tourist from Europe was discussed in the news. He stayed at the hotel, was dissatisfied with the service and wrote negative reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking and other sites. For this, the hotel sued him. Now the tourist faces a fine of 200,000 baht (about 174,000 hryvnias) and imprisonment for up to 2 years. The basis of the lawsuit is libel, “she said.
Also read: Thai hotel threatens tourist with multimillion-dollar lawsuit over negative feedback
According to the blogger, “it’s hard to say who’s right here.” “But it’s better not to find out about relations with Thais,” she advises.