customs and values
Hierarchy in Thai Society
There is a strong hierarchy in Thai society which is evident at many levels. Among other things, age, social position and wealth
affect a person’s place in the hierarchy. When Thais meet someone for the first time, it is not unusual for them to ask several
questions in order to establish where they fit in the hierarchy. These questions may seem very personal but it is best to accept
them in good nature and without affront.
Use of Nicknames
Thais are generally addressed by their first names, preceded by the title ‘Khun’, which is appropriate for both men and women. In
more casual settings nicknames are frequently used.
Sexual Tolerance
Thailand has long enjoyed a reputation for sexual tolerance towards GLBT’s, based more on non-confrontational, as opposed to
progressive attitudes. Transsexuals (also known as ‘kratoeys’ or ‘lady boys’) are highly visible in the mainstream society including
high-profile celebrities.
Bathroom Basics
Outside of larger cities, squat toilets may exist in some areas. These are flushed by pouring water from an adjacent bucket into the
hole.
Dress
In Thailand you will always be judged by appearances. No matter who you are, all Thais put a great deal of effort into being welldressed and groomed. Revealing clothing, worn by either men or women should be avoided. Short shorts, low-cut dress, T-shirts and
skimpy bathing suits fit this category. In temples, long trousers or skirts must be worn.
Religious Objects
Approximately 95% of Thais are Buddhists, mainly from the Theravada school. Most buildings have spirit houses, altars or shrines
where offerings of food and garlands are made to appease the spirits inhabiting the land. You must avoid touching such displays.
When sitting in a temple, one is expected to point one’s feet away from images of the Buddha. Shrines inside Thai residences are
also arranged so as to ensure that the feet are not pointed towards the religious icons—such as placing them on the same wall as
the head of a bed. It is also customary to remove one’s footwear before entering sacred areas within a temple, and not to step on
the threshold in a home.
Special Status of Monks in Society
There are a number of customs relating to the special status of monks in Thai society. Due to religious discipline, Thai monks are
forbidden physical contact with women. Women are therefore expected to make way for passing monks to ensure that accidental
contact does not occur. A variety of methods are employed to ensure that no incidental contact (or the appearance of such
contact) between women and monks occurs. Women making offerings to monks would place their donation at the feet of the
monk, or on a cloth laid on the ground or table. Powders or unguents intended to carry a blessing are applied to Thai women by
monks using the end of a candle or stick. Lay people are expected to sit or stand with their heads at a lower level than that of a
monk. Within a temple, monks may sit on a raised platform during ceremonies to make this easier to achieve.
Family Values and Respect for Elders
The family is the cornerstone of Thai society. Family life in Thailand is often more closely knit than some other cultures. The Thai
family is a form of hierarchy with the parents at the top. Children are taught to honour their parents and the younger generation are
also taught to show respect for their elders.
Punctuality
It is always considered polite to be punctual in all your appointments or classes. Any prior knowledge that you are going to be late
should prompt you to advise the person you are going to meet by means of a quick phone call.
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