Thailand is a country where every street corner is filled with culture, tradition, and timeless charm. While Thai locals are generally warm, welcoming, and very understanding of international visitors, knowing a few unspoken rules is still wise. Many traditions and behaviours in Thailand are rooted in deep respect, especially regarding religion, monarchy, and daily social etiquette. Even though Thais are used to tourists from all walks of life, they genuinely appreciate it when someone takes the time to understand and honour their customs. So, if you're worried about doing something “wrong,” don’t stress. Read on, stay open-minded, and prepare to blend in better. A little cultural awareness goes a long way in Thailand, so we will help you learn dos and don’ts in this guide.

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Don’ts in Thailand: 

Whether you’re a first-timer, digital nomad, or family on vacation, remember these tips to stay respectful, out of trouble, and have an awesome trip. Here are some don’ts you should consider when you are on your Thailand escape: 

1. Don’t Diss the King

Thailand’s royal family is deeply revered, and badmouthing or joking about the King is off-limits. Thailand has strict lese-majeste laws, meaning disrespecting the monarchy can land you in jail. This isn’t the place for edgy jokes or sarcastic memes about the King or Queen, and even stepping on Thai money (which has the King’s face) is a huge no-no and is considered very rude.

Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code states, "Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent shall be imprisoned for three to fifteen years."

2. Don’t Touch Anyone’s Head

In Thai culture, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so keep your hands off other people’s heads. No playful hair ruffling, no pats on the head,  not even for cute kids. What might seem like a friendly gesture elsewhere is seen as very disrespectful here. The idea is that the head is high and holy, while the lower body is low (you’ll see why next), so respect this hierarchy. Unless you’re a Thai massage therapist (and even then, with permission!), never use someone’s head as an armrest or touch it without consent.

3. Don’t Point Your Feet at People or Buddha

On the other side, feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body in Thailand. Pointing your toes at someone is like giving them the ultimate insult. It’s especially rude to point your feet toward Buddha statues or images, that’s basically blasphemy. So, no lounging with your feet up on chairs or tables, and don’t use your foot to nudge or move things. When sitting, try to tuck your feet behind you or at least away from others and religious icons.

4. Don’t Wear Shoes Where You Shouldn’t (Temples & Homes)

If you remember one thing, shoes off at the door! In Thailand, removing your shoes before entering temples, people’s homes, and even many shops and cafés is customary. You’ll often spot a little mountain of footwear at an entrance; that’s your cue to add yours to the pile. Walking in with your shoes on will certainly get you a few gasps; Thais believe shoes track in dirt and contaminate sacred or clean spaces. So remove those flip-flops and go barefoot or sock-footed when required. If you want a tip, consider choosing flip flops or open shoes, which are easy to remove, and your feet can breathe in fresh air. 

5. Don’t Wear a Bikini to a Temple

There may be many beaches in Thailand, but don’t dress like every day is beach day, especially at temples. Buddhist temples or any other religious sites have a strict modesty dress code. You must cover your shoulders, chest, and knees when visiting. That means no tank tops, crop tops, short shorts, or mini-skirts in sacred places. If you show up in super casual attire, you might be denied entry or handed a sarong to cover up. Also, walking around town shirtless or in a bikini away from the beach will draw disapproving stares, locals are pretty conservative about clothing. And just so you know, public nudity, including topless sunbathing, is illegal in Thailand. Save that swimsuit for the islands, and dress respectfully elsewhere to honour local culture.

6. Don’t Touch the Monks

You’ll see many Buddhist monks in Thailand, distinguished by their saffron robes and serene demeanours. There is one rule you should remember that, look but don’t touch. Monks follow strict rules, one being that they cannot touch or be touched by women. So if you’re female, don’t attempt a handshake or friendly hug (even a tap on the arm is a no-go). If a woman needs to hand something to a monk, she should pass it via a man or place it down for the monk to pick up. Men should also be respectful: give monks space, don’t crowd them for selfies, and if you’re sitting near a monk, try to sit lower than them. 

7. Don’t Treat Buddha as a Souvenir

Thailand is a Buddhist country, and Buddha images are considered sacred, not cute collectibles. Tourists buying Buddha head statues as garden décor or tattooing Buddha on their bodies ruffle a lot of feathers. In fact, exporting a Buddha statue over 12 cm requires a special permit, Thailand has rules against taking large or antique Buddha images out of the country. Buying Buddha trinkets from the market and treating them casually is seen as disrespectful to the religion. And of course, while visiting temples, never climb on Buddha statues or take silly selfies with them; people have gotten in trouble for that. Enjoy the beautiful Buddhist art and temples, but remember they carry deep meaning for locals. Buddha is not your coffee-table decoration, so show a little reverence.

8. Don’t Lose Your Cool

In the Land of Smiles, people rarely raise their voices or show anger in public. A public tantrum or shouting match will only make you look bad (and extremely impolite). Thais value keeping a “cool heart”, they handle issues with a smile or a calm tone, even when upset. If you start yelling or getting visibly angry, you’ll cause discomfort and cause everyone to “lose face”, a big cultural faux pas. So, no matter how frustrated you are (yes, even when that tuk-tuk driver takes the long way), take a deep breath and keep it chill. You’re on vacation – sabai sabai (easy-going) vibes will get you much further than a temper tantrum.

9. Don’t Overdo the PDA

Thailand isn’t the place for a full-on PDA fest. Holding hands in public is generally fine, you’ll see younger couples doing that. But kissing, long hugs, or heavy canoodling in public will draw stares and probably awkward giggles. Thai culture is modest about romance in public; even if nobody says anything, people will feel uncomfortable seeing too much lovey-dovey action on the street or the skytrain. This applies even more so in temples or rural areas, where it’s considered downright inappropriate. So save the passionate smooches for private moments. It’s not about being a buzzkill, it’s about respecting local norms and not embarrassing your Thai hosts. Get a room, as they say, and all will be well!

10. Don’t Do Drugs

This should be obvious, but just in case: don’t even think about doing or carrying drugs in Thailand. The country has some of the world’s harshest drug laws, with severe penalties including long prison sentences for possession or trafficking. Yes, you might notice cannabis dispensaries these days. Thailand recently loosened laws on medical/recreational cannabis in small amounts. However, it’s still illegal to smoke it in public and other drugs remain strictly banned. Tourists have been arrested for party drugs or even leftover substances in their bags; it’s just not worth the risk. Thai jail is not part of the authentic cultural experience you want. 

11. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

In Thailand, visa rules are no joke, so don’t overstay your visa, thinking no one will notice. If your visa or visa-free entry says 30 days, it means 30 days and not a day more without an extension. Overstaying is against the law and comes with fines of 500 Baht per day, up to 20,000 Baht max, and if you overstay, you could be detained, deported, or banned from returning. Immigration officers will catch it when you depart. A short overstay of a few hours might be forgiven with an apology, but anything longer, expect to pay up. The best plan: track your days, get a visa extension or do a border run if you need more time, and don’t turn your Thai holiday into an immigration nightmare.

12. Don’t Fall for the “Temple Closed” Scam

Bangkok pro tip: if a friendly stranger approaches saying, “Oh no, the Grand Palace is closed today for a holiday/special event!”, be sceptical. This is a classic tourist scam. The scammer will try to whisk you off in a tuk-tuk to a “special temple” or a shop, where you’ll get overcharged for gems, souvenirs, or tours while they earn commission. In reality, major temples almost never close for random holidays. The so-called “Lucky Buddha Day” or “Big Buddha is open only today!” is usually bogus. Similarly, be wary of overly helpful strangers who want to take you to a great shop or insist on an unrequested tour. Not every unsolicited offer is a scam, but a lot are. Trust your instincts, quickly Google opening hours, and don’t let a stranger derail your plans or wallet.

13. Don’t Rent a Motorbike Without Experience

Zipping around on a scooter in Thailand might look easy-breezy, but Thai traffic can be chaotic, and accidents are common. If you’re not an experienced rider with the proper license, think twice before renting a motorbike. First, having a motorcycle license (and an International Driving Permit) is technically required to drive one; most rental shops won’t ask, but if you crash, your travel insurance won’t cover you without a valid license. Hospitals in Thailand are world-class but expensive, and you don’t want to end up as the next GoFundMe story for a scooter injury. 

14. Don’t Ride Elephants or Pet Tigers

Getting a selfie riding a majestic elephant or cuddling a sedated tiger might sound like a once-in-a-lifetime photo op. But here’s the deal: those animals don’t enjoy giving you a ride or a selfie. Elephant riding, tiger petting, and monkey shows are typically part of the wildlife exploitation industry. The elephants are often brutally trained and kept in poor conditions. Tigers and other animals used for tourism are usually drugged or declawed. By paying for these experiences, you’re unknowingly supporting animal cruelty. Instead, seek out ethical sanctuaries where you can observe animals without hands-on interaction, or see them in the wild or reputable rescues. 

Dos in Thailand

1. Do Greet with a Wai (The Thai Hello)

Put your hands together like you’re praying, bow your head slightly, and smile. Yay, you’ve just done the wai, Thailand’s traditional greeting. Locals will love that you tried, even if you get it wrong. It's a respectful and super polite way to say hello, especially when greeting elders or in temples.

2. Do Smile Often

In the Land of Smiles, smiling is a social superpower. It can mean “hello,” “thank you,” “oops,” or “I have no idea what’s happening but I’m being friendly!” So when in doubt, smile it out. You’ll be amazed at how far it gets you.

3. Do Try the Street Food

From pad Thai sizzling on a wok to banana pancakes and grilled skewers, Thailand’s street food is an experience you shouldn't miss. It’s delicious, cheap, and often better than restaurant fare. Just go where the locals go, and bring tissues if you underestimate the chilli.

4. Do Carry Cash

Credit cards aren’t king here; cash is. Most small shops, tuk-tuks, markets, and street vendors don’t take cards, so always carry some baht. And if you're pulling cash from an ATM, avoid flashy stacks; petty theft may be rare, but it’s still a thing.

5. Do Use Your Right Hand

Always use your right or both hands when giving or receiving something (money, gifts, even your 7-Eleven change). The left is considered less polite. It’s a small gesture showing you’ve done your homework.

6. Do Be Polite and Soft-Spoken

Thais appreciate gentleness in speech and manner. Raising your voice won’t win you any fans; it’ll only make things awkward. Be calm, use your “indoor voice,” and channel your inner zen. Thai people often resolve issues with a smile, not sarcasm or sass.

7. Do Respect Monks

If you spot monks around (you will), treat them with quiet respect. Don’t touch them, don’t sit too close, and if you’re a woman, definitely don’t hand anything directly to them. Monks are deeply respected in Thai society, so it’s cool to admire them from a polite distance.

8. Learn a Few Thai Phrases

You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing how to say “hello” (Sawasdee kha/krub) and “thank you” (Khop khun kha/krub) will earn you major respect points. Locals will love the effort, even if you butcher the pronunciation (they’ll smile anyway).

9. Do Drink Bottled Water

Tap water and your stomach are not friends in Thailand. Stick to bottled or filtered water to stay hydrated without the unexpected bathroom adventures. Pro tip: check that the seal is intact before buying.

10. Do Bargain 

At markets, bargaining is expected, but keep it light and playful. Smile, offer a fair price, and don’t take it too seriously. You’re not in a business negotiation, you’re just haggling over elephant pants. Bonus: the more fun you have, the better the price.

11. Do Use Public Transport and Apps

Want to avoid getting ripped off? Use Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) for taxis or hop on a tuk-tuk for fun. BTS and MRT (the skytrain and subway in Bangkok) are cheap, air-conditioned, and save you from traffic. They also don’t try to take you to random gem stores.

12. Do Get Travel Insurance

Look, no one plans to get food poisoning, have a scooter accident, or drop their phone in the sea, but things happen. Travel insurance is your best friend when “oops” turns into “oh no.” It's a small price for a big peace of mind.

13. Do Say “Mai Pen Rai” (No Worries!)

This magical phrase is the Thai equivalent of “it’s all good.” Something’s late? Mai pen rai. You forgot your sunscreen? Mai pen rai. It’s the attitude of letting go and enjoying the ride, and it’s the secret to surviving (and loving) Thailand.

Leave with Memories, Not Mistakes.

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the dos and don’ts of Thailand, you’re all set to explore the country with confidence, curiosity, and a deep respect for its culture. 

So, enjoy freely, but travel mindfully. Be respectful, be open, and don’t sweat the small stuff. The Thai people are incredibly welcoming, and when you show a little cultural understanding, they’ll welcome you like family.