In Thailand, pointing with a single index finger is considered rude and accusatory. Beckoning someone with a curled index finger is also disrespectful, as this gesture is generally used only for animals. To be polite, use your whole hand, palm down, to gesture or call someone over.
More than just “hang loose”: The shaka hand gesture represents aloha spirit, love and local pride. Flash a closed hand with the thumb and pinkie sticking out, and every Hawaii resident knows what it means.
The head is considered a sacred part of the body in Thailand, hence, touching or patting someone is considered inappropriate. This is why masseurs may ask permission to massage your head initially to show respect. It is also rude to raise your legs above someone's head or stepping over people.
Furthermore, it's considered rude and seen as accusatory to point with a single finger, particularly at another person. You will see Thai people generally using a whole hand to gesture toward someone or directions.
Section 112 of Thai Criminal Code currently reads as follows: "Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years."
In Thai, "jing jing" (จริงๆ) means "really," "truly," or "seriously" and is used to add emphasis, like saying "for real!" or "I mean it!" in English, often by repeating the word "jing" (true/real) to intensify its meaning. For example, "Aroy jing jing" means "really delicious".
Thailand is no different and the list of antiquated ways to stray foul of the law in Bangkok includes: It is illegal to leave the house without wearing underwear. It is illegal to drive a motorised vehicle bare-chested.
Travellers may experience sexual assault, other assault and robbery. Be extra careful in tourist spots such as Khao San Road and Sukhumvit in Bangkok, as well as the night-time entertainment areas in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Don't leave food or drinks unattended.
After 12, they skip 13 and replace it with 12B. This belief that attributes bad luck to number thirteen has Western roots, but it has penetrated Thailand even more than in most western countries.
They're basically the Thai version of quick reactions or slang typing. • 55555 = laughter (the number 5 is pronounced ha in Thai, so 555 = hahaha). • 22222 = 'khor hai nguan' vibe / playful teasing, sometimes typed just for rhythm in convos.
"Shaka bra" (or "shaka brah") is a slang term derived from the Hawaiian shaka hand gesture. It can mean "hang loose," "right on," "cool," or "everything's okay". It represents aloha spirit, love, and local pride.
When visiting Thailand, do respect the monarchy, dress modestly (especially at temples), remove shoes before entering homes/temples, use the wai greeting, keep voices down, and embrace the "mai pen rai" (no worries) attitude; don't touch people's heads, point feet at people or Buddha images, show public affection, raise your voice, disrespect Buddha images, or get into taxis without a meter.
In Thailand, the legal drinking age is 20. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2008 increased the drinking age in Thailand from 18 to 20, private drinking is not regulated in private locations.
Drug use and corruption make up the majority of the crime in Thailand and due to this, many Thai administrations attempted to curtail the drug trade, most notably Thaksin Shinawatra with the 2003 War on Drugs.
If Thai food is made with passion and to the highest quality it is very delicious - and from that comes our name Zap mak mak which means “very delicious”.
Pronounce it like this: Sabai sabai. Meaning: This is also another very common phrase you'll love to hear and use on your Thailand trip. It means “I'm feeling good” or “Take it easy”. If someone asks you “Sabai dee mai?” (How are you?), you can reply “Sabai sabai”, meaning you're feeling fine.
