Tips before your arrival in Thailand

Insurance: Make sure that you are covered internationally by your current health insurance. Travel insurance is also highly recommended. Thailand is a safe country with a very low crime rate. It is up to you whether you want to get coverage for lost or stolen items. The Foundation is not liable if anything happens to you during your stay, so please make sure you cover all your personal belongings before arrival.

Vaccinations: We recommend getting in touch with your Doctor in your home country before arrival. Hepatitis A and B is strongly advised. Malaria prophylaxis and others depend on individual tolerance. Pack all documents from vaccinations received.

Medication: Please bring your medication from home if you require anything specific. You will be able to buy almost anything in Thailand but the brand might be different.

Copy documents: All important documents (passport, visa page, credit cards, travel insurance policy, driving license, etc.) should be photocopied before you leave home.

General advice for visitors to Thailand.

Thais are very easy going and understanding of most foreign behaviour as long as it does not insult either the monarchy or the Buddhist religion.

The King & Royal Family

Thais have a very deep, traditional respect for their Royal Family. All visitors should be careful to show respect for the King, and Royal Family. Criticizing the government, even Thai culture, is ‘OK’ but it is considered a great insult to Thai’s as well as to the monarchy not to stand up and be quiet when you hear the royal or national anthem. When attending any Thai event where a member of the Monarchy is present, the best guide on how to behave is to watch the crowd.

Buddhism

Correct behaviour in temples;
The most important is to dress neatly (long trousers, no sleeveless shirts) and to take your shoes off when you enter any building that contains a Buddha image or object. When sitting down keep your feet pointing away from any Buddha images. Monks are not supposed to touch or be touched by women. Some larger temples charge entrance fees. In other temples a (small) donation is appreciated but not required.

Social etiquette

Thais greet each other with a prayer-like gesture by putting the palms of their hands together. This gesture is known as a wai. The person who is junior in age or status is the first one to offer the wai. The senior person returns the wai generally with their hands raised to somewhere around their chest. If there is a great social distance between two people the wai will not be returned. Losing your temper means a loss of face for everyone present. Talking loudly is perceived as rude. Keeping your cool in all situations is the rule. It is considered impolite to refuse an invitation. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon, even though some more ‘modern’ young Thai are frequently seen holding hands these days.

Feet and head

The feet are the lowest part of the body, spiritually as well as physically, so do not point them at people or at things. Don’t prop your feet up on chairs or tables and never step over someone. Likewise, the head is the highest part of the body. Never touch Thais on the head. This rule is not as unambiguous as all that; you will see Thai touching each other’s head. The social context plays an important role here. In order not to make mistakes it is best to stick to the simple rule of not touching the head.

Dress

Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach attire are not considered appropriate dress for anything other than sports or the beach. You will see quite a few young Thais diverge from this dress code. Remember that they are not the mainstream Thai. Dressing neatly at all times shows your respect for Thai culture. Sandals or slip-on shoes are ok for almost any but the most formal occasions. Topless bathing is highly inappropriate in Thailand. Shoes are not worn inside people’s homes, nor in some guesthouses and shops. If you see a pile of shoes at the entrance, you should respect the house custom.

Here’s some helpful web sites that may answer a lot of questions;

www.thaivisa.com – General information site for visitors to Thailand

www.farangfriendly.com – Another general information site

www.asiarooms.com – Information on all kinds of accommodation

www.chiangmainews.com – CityLife magazine, local English publication.

www.southeastasiabackpacker.com – Travelers guide to SE Asia

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