What not to do as a tourist in Thailand?

As a tourist in Thailand, avoid disrespecting the monarchy, religion (Buddha, monks), and local customs like touching heads or pointing feet, while also steering clear of illegal drugs, public intoxication, scams (tuk-tuks, taxis without meters), and animal tourism (elephant riding); always maintain a calm demeanor, dress modestly at temples, and secure your belongings.

What not to do when visiting Thailand?

Things You Should NOT Do When Traveling in Thailand 1. Don't Disrespect the Royal Family 2. Don't Touch Someone's Head 3. Don't Point Your Feet at People or Buddha Statues 4. Don't Disrespect Buddha Statues and Religious Sites 5. Do not climb on or pose inappropriately with Buddha statues. 6.

Do and don'ts in Thailand for tourists?

When visiting Thailand, DO greet with a wai, dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) at temples, remove shoes before entering homes/temples, respect Buddha images, smile, and learn "mai pen rai" (no worries), but DON'T touch heads (most sacred), point with feet (dirtiest part), disrespect the King/Buddhism, get angry in public, touch monks (women especially), or vape (it's illegal). Always carry cash, respect traffic, and get proper insurance for activities like scooter riding.
 

What are unusual rules in Thailand?

5 Stranges Laws in Thailand; Legal peculiarities

• 1) It's illegal to leave the house without your underwear on.
• 2) It's a crime to step on any Thai currency.
• 3) It's a punishable offence to throw (used) chewing gum on the pavement.
• 4) You mustn't drive a car shirtless.

What to wear in Thailand at night?

Ideally, choose light-weight and natural clothes (for both day and night in Thailand): cotton, silk-cotton and linen tie for first place. All our clothing recommendations that follow are made of fabrics suitable for the tropics.

DO'S and DON'TS in Thailand

What is the 112 rule in Thailand?

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."

Do you use toilet paper in Thailand?

Thais usually wash with water first, then use paper to dry. You'll miss it when you go back to your home country! 🚻 SQAUT VS WESTERN TOILETS: In big cities, you'll mostly find Western sit-down toilets.

Is $1000 enough for a month in Thailand?

Yes, $1,000 (around 35,000-37,000 Thai Baht) can be enough for a budget traveler in Thailand for a month if you live like a local—eating street food, staying in hostels, using public transport, and minimizing paid tours/alcohol—but it's tight and requires strict budgeting; an extra $200-$500 provides much more comfort and flexibility for tourist activities and emergencies. 

What should I not bring to Thailand?

The following are some examples of prohibited goods:

• Narcotics.
• Pornographic materials.
• Counterfeit trademark goods and IPR infringing goods.
• Fake notes or coins.
• Reserved animals or CITES-listed wildlife.

What are the unspoken rules in Thailand?

The Head is Sacred – The head is considered the highest part of the body in Thai culture. Avoid touching someone's head or even pointing your feet towards someone's head. The Power of the Feet – Similarly, the feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Don't point your feet at someone or a sacred object.

What does 555 in Thailand mean?

In the Thai language, the number five is pronounced "ha." In texting, 5-5-5 is the sound of laughing (hahaha), the equivalent of the English "LOL."

What is the problem in Thailand right now?

Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border

Armed conflict resumed along the Thailand-Cambodia border on December 7, 2025. Stemming from a longstanding border dispute, the conflict has expanded and intensified since December 9. There have been military and civilian casualties.

What not to forget when going to Thailand?

In Thailand, you can get many toiletries locally, but it's worth bringing a few basics with you to be on the safe side. Travel towel: Lightweight and quick-drying. Sunscreen: High sun protection factor to protect against intense sunlight. After sun body lotion: For moisturising after long days in the sun.

What is considered impolite in Thailand?

But in Thailand, it is considered especially disrespectful to show people the bottom of your feet. Never use your feet to point at people or things. Also, try to avoid putting the bottoms of your feet up on a desk or chair, or around people (like on the van). Finally, NEVER point at a Buddha statue with your feet.

What is the hose next to the toilet for in Thailand?

A bidet sprayer is an essential bathroom accessory for many people, especially in Thailand. It provides a convenient and hygienic way to clean oneself after using the toilet, eliminating the need for messy water buckets or potentially insufficient toilet paper.

What is the funny law in Thailand?

Thailand is no different and the list of antiquated ways to stray afoul 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 It is illegal to use a durian fruit as a weapon and a fine will be levied determined by how many ...

What is the 49% rule in Thailand?

What is the Foreign Business Act 49% in Thailand? The 49% rule under the Foreign Business Act means foreigners may generally own up to 49% of a Thai company unless a higher ownership is approved under specific conditions.

Is there a blue zone in Thailand?

Currently, there are 17 Blue Zone areas in the country. You can visit any one of these for the Sandbox Program: Bangkok. Krabi.

Does it get cold at night in Thailand?

Alfio Maimone In Chiang Rai during the winter, daytime temperatures are usually around 15–20°C, while at night it gets cooler, dropping to about 10–15°C. In the mountains, nighttime temperatures can be as low as 5–10°C. However, the exact conditions vary from year to year, as the weather is never entirely predictable.

Should I bring jeans to Thailand?

Thais wear jeans, but it's safe to say that most Westerners aren't acclimated to the heat and will be waaay too hot. Jeans also take a long time to dry on a clothesline and are heavy in your suitcase. 100% cotton shirts take a long time to dry compared to shirts with cotton blends.

Is it rude to not wear a shirt in Thailand?

Although it might not always seem like it, Thailand is actually very conservative in many respects. If you are walking or cycling around a city, it isn't polite to take off your shirt.