| In order to refrain from ruffling any feathers | | | | your souvenir may be taken away from you at |
| whilst on your holiday of a lifetime here are a few | | | | the airport. |
| social, religious and common sense dos and don'ts. | | | | If you are visiting a Buddhist temple there are a |
| The Thai people are well known for their | | | | few things that you must take into account. |
| welcoming manner and following their examples of | | | | Firstly dress respectively, this is a place of |
| social etiquette can help make your time with | | | | worship not just a tourist attraction. Cover up as |
| them enjoyable and relaxed. Thais see the head | | | | much as you can and remove your shoes when |
| as the most important part of the body, the | | | | entering the temple. Monks are not allowed to |
| temple if you will, and as such you should not | | | | touch, be touched by or receive anything directly |
| touch anyone on the head. You should also make | | | | from a woman so anything must be handed to a |
| an effort to keep your head lower than your | | | | man first or placed on a piece of cloth which the |
| elders, monks and priests. Obviously it is not | | | | monk can then draw towards them. |
| always possible but making the effort to dip your | | | | The people of Thailand have a deep love and |
| head even if it doesn't make your lower than | | | | respect for their monarchy, especially their king. |
| theirs is appreciated. The feet are the lowest part | | | | Any jokes or complaints about them could leave |
| of your body and therefore it is disrespectful to | | | | you in very hot water. Whenever the national |
| point them at anyone, especially those older than | | | | anthem is played it is customary to stop what |
| you, monks, priests or any image of Buddha. | | | | you are doing and stand until it is over. In the |
| The Buddha is sacred in Thailand and there are | | | | cinema a portrait of the king is shown and the |
| many rules pertaining to your behaviour around it. | | | | national anthem played before the film, again it is |
| Be respectful, do not pose in front of any | | | | expected that you rise and stay standing until it |
| statues, mock, deface or climb on them, as your | | | | finishes. If in doubt do as the Thai do. |
| disrespect will not go down well. Also, any images | | | | There are also the obvious don'ts such as dealing |
| or statues of Buddha over five inches tall need an | | | | with drugs, accepting drinks or lifts from |
| export permit, you can ask the shopkeeper | | | | strangers and buying gems from stores without |
| whether they are willing to obtain one for you or | | | | the Jewel Fest Club sign. Keep a smile on your |
| you can apply for one at the local Fine Arts | | | | face and a cool head and your holidays in Thailand |
| Department. If you do not get the export permit | | | | will be simply stunning. |