Dos&Don'ts

           As you might expect, customs in Thailand differ many ways from those in the West, although most of what is considered polite in other countries is also considered polite in Thailand. You should be able to avoid the remaining few cultural pitfalls by adhering to the following guidelines while visiting the country.
          Thais believe the head to be the most sacred part of the body, so you should refrain from touching a Thai on the head, even as a friendly gesture.
The feet are also off limits. They are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Remember to apologize if you accidentally step on someone's foot (or touch their head). Don't rest your feet or put your shoes on a table, and don't stretch out your feet in anyone's direction.. This is particularly important in temples- Don't point your feet at a Buddha image or monk.
Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go shirtless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire, and shoulders should be covered. Every Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as being a sacred object, never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything that might show a lack of respect. Women must not touch or hand anything directly to Buddhist monks, nor sit beside them on public buses.
          Shoes should be removed when entering private Thai homes, pagodas and any of the Islamic community's mosques.
Displays of anger are ugly and a sign of a lack of self-control, so don't lose you cool in an irritating situation. Anger won't get you anywhere; rather, practice polite persistence.
          The Royal family is deeply revered and loved. Don't speak illof them, even in jest, or you might find yourself charged with the crime of lese-majeste.
           Public displays of affection between the sexes are frowned upon. Personal hygiene and eleanliness are very important. thais tend to dress politely; long shorts in the hot climate are the norm. Don't sunbathe topless.
           Thais arequite respectful of Westerners and will often want to try out their English on you. Don't be offened by questions about your age, salary, and marital status, or take offense at comments like, "Wow, you're fat." Thais don't mean to be intrusive, they're just very child-like in their demeanor and aren't governed by the same rules of social etiquette as in the west
          Similarly, Don't take offense if Thai greet you with the very common "Hey, you!" This is the Thai language.
          Finally, Thais realize that most Westerners may not be familiar with these guidelines, but they will be quite impressed and hold you in high esteem if you make an effort to follow local customs.