Why WAI?

 

The gesture of pressing your palm together at chest or nose level is called WAI. An integral part of Thai etiquette, a WAI is commonly perform with a generous Thai smile to denote respect and reverance.

 

On daily basis, Thai WAI each other to express a greeting, thank you, goodbye or even pardon. It is expected for young Thai to WAI at nose level when greeting a person of seniority, and the elderly would then return a WAI at chest level.

 

 

ABSOLUTE REVERANCE

 

Thailand, like the United Kingdom, is a Constitutional Monarchy. The Thai Royal family is reverved by the Thais. For over 6 decades, His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej's inguinity and determination to improve the standard of living of all Thais has earned him respect and love by his people. Potraits of the King and Queen can be seen throughout the country, at home and shops. Please stand for the Royal Anthem before the movie in cinemas. Foreign travellers are expected to refrain from insulting any member of the Royal Household.

 

 

NATIONAL PRIDE

 

The Thai government has introduced various practices to encourage nationalism. The Thai National Anthem is played at 8am and 6pm daily at all railway stations, on all radio and TV broadcast. Pedestrains and commuters are required to stop or stand for around 40 seconds when the anthem is played.

 

 

BODILY CONDUCT

 

Based on Buddhist beliefs, the head is the most sacred part of the body, while the feet are the lowest. Touching someone’s head is highly offensive. Never raise your feet or point them at people or religious objects. When seated on the floor, kindly tuck your feet behind.

 

Always remove shoes when entering a house or temple. It is recommended to cover up when visiting religious buildings or royal palaces. Shorts and sleevesless T-shirt are prohibited in some tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

 

Although women are not supposed to touch or pass things directly to Buddhist monks, but polite conversation are allowed.

 

 

SEXUAL TOLERANCE

 

Thailand has probably the best reputation for sexual tolerance, due to the nature of Thai society's non-confrontational attitudes. The country is very safe for LGBT travellers. 

 

Transsexuals, also known as krathoeys or ladyboys, are highly visible in mainstream society.

 

 

 

 

NEVERMIND

 

The MAI PEN RAI (nevermind) attitude of most Thai might be the secret ingredient that makes the locals so cheerful and carefree, and why Thailand is often called the Land of Smiles.

 

This philosophy of keeping cool also means that nothing should be taken too seriously. The main point is to have fun.

 

 

 

 

WHAT A COLOURFUL DAY

 

Based on pre-Buddhist Hindu legends, a particular auspicious colour is associated with each day of the week. This is most noticeable on Mondays, when many people wear yellow shirts, honouring the day on which their beloved King Bhumipol was born. Other popular colours include pink (Tuesday) and light blue (Friday, the Queen’s day of birth).

 

 

 

 

 

RELIGIOUS OBJECTS

 

Thailand is the World's largest Buddhist country. About 95% of the population practices Theravada school of Buddhism. Many animist practices have also been integrated into Thai culture.  Buildings throughout Thailand have spirit houses or altars, where offerings of food and garlands are made daily to appease the spirits. Please avoid touching such items as some Thais can be very superstitious, fearing disruption of the harmonious balance.