| If you’re planning a vacation to Koh Samui, | | | | monument or a statue. Some Buddhist statues |
| make sure you’re familiar with their specific | | | | are very sacred such that even taking their |
| cultural etiquette and body language gestures | | | | pictures is forbidden. |
| before venturing in, especially if you’re from a | | | | 7. Give high regard for monks. If you’re a |
| Western country. Asian countries have far | | | | woman, avoid physical contact with a monk as |
| different customs and understanding of body | | | | they are not allowed to touch a woman. If you |
| languages and as visitors, it is your duty to adjust | | | | want to offer a gift to a monk, pass it to a man |
| to these etiquettes and customs. | | | | or wrap it in cloth. In public vehicles, there are |
| 1. The Thai people adore and respect the royal | | | | seats reserved exclusively for monks. Make sure |
| family. Saying anything negative about them, even | | | | to avoid sitting on those. If all seats are taken and |
| in jest, is frowned upon. Avoid talking about the | | | | a monk enters the vehicle, offer your seat. |
| royal family, if not in praise. Do not even attempt | | | | 8. It is considered rude and uncouth to shout, |
| to say anything negative or you might get into big | | | | raise your voice, or express anger in Thailand, |
| trouble with the locals. | | | | regardless of the situation. Never do it! No matter |
| 2. Be mindful of your outfits. If you’re going | | | | how apt you think it is, if you don’t want to |
| to be visiting a Buddhist temple or other areas | | | | look like an uncultured swine. |
| where you have to show respect, make sure | | | | 9. Excessive public displays of affection are |
| that you wear the appropriate attire. This means | | | | generally frowned upon, especially among elders. |
| no sleeveless tops and short shorts. | | | | Although holding hands already seem acceptable in |
| 3. In entering or leaving a building, check to see if | | | | some areas, it is advised to just avoid displaying |
| other people take off their shoes or sandals first | | | | so much affection to avoid discomfort from the |
| before getting inside. Some establishments require | | | | locals. |
| people to take off their foot wear before | | | | 10. When eating or drinking out with locals, always |
| entering. Temples and private houses typically do | | | | make sure to have a clear agreement as to who |
| not allow footwear. | | | | pays. When locals invite a foreigner, they would |
| 4. The head is considered to be a sacred part of | | | | usually pay and many would find it rude if the |
| the body. Don’t ever touch a local’s head, | | | | foreigner offers to pay or to go Dutch (American |
| even as an act of affection on children. | | | | Share, in their lingo). The oldest or most superior |
| 5. On the other hand, the feet are considered the | | | | member of the group is typically expected to |
| lowest part of the body. Avoid pointing your feet | | | | foot the bill and offering to pay is the same as |
| on a person or a Buddhist monument. Especially | | | | saying, “I am your superior”. |
| when in front of a Buddha statue, make sure | | | | To avoid awkward situations when you are |
| your feet are tucked between your legs when | | | | invited for food or a drink, you can say |
| seated. Never ever place your feet on a table to | | | | something like, “No thanks, I can’t afford |
| rest. Also, avoid exposing the soles of your feet | | | | it unless we have American share.” This allows |
| in plain view. | | | | them to reveal whether they expect you to pay |
| 6. Always ask first before taking a picture of a | | | | or they want to treat you. |