“Wai-ing”

My husband is Thai, so I know a lot about Thai customs and the Thai people. We have spent a lot of time in Thailand over the past 20 years of knowing each other. The first thing to learn is that Thai people greet each other by “wai-ing” on another. To “wai” someone, you put your hands together in a prayer motion. The higher the hands, the higher the respect that you are showing. The older the person, the higher the wai you should give them.

P’ and Nong’

If someone is older than you, you add a P’ in front of their name. If someone is younger than you, you put a Nong’ in front of their name. For example, P’Joe and Nong’Ethan.

Feet Etiquette

Thai people consider the feet to be extremely dirty. If you point your feet at them, it is very disrespectful. Never put your feet on their furniture, near their heads, and always take off your shoes when entering their houses.

Temples and Palaces Etiquette

You must also take your shoes off before you visit the temples as well. Everyone must be wearing shirts with sleeves and no tanktops when visiting the temples and palaces. Their shoulders must be covered. Ankles should ideally be covered as well (no shorts). They have clothes that you can rent in case you are not properly attired.

Monks

Women need to be very careful around monks. They cannot touch them or their robe by accident. It is thought of as a distraction to the monk. So, if a woman runs into a monk on the street, it would be upsetting.

Books

Books should never be put on the floor because you need to respect books. They are your teacher.