Thai etiquette

Etiquette is a code of behaviour in society or among members of a group.

Thai people are extremely polite and their behaviour is controlled. Much of their etiquette is based on their Buddhist religion. 

Some of your behaviour to be mindful of when visiting Thailand includes:

1. To show anger or impatience or to raise your voice is a sign of weakness and lack of mental control. 
2. Revealing clothing is a little disgusting to most Thais like short shorts, low cut dresses and T-shirts and skimpy swimmers.  
3. In temples, long trousers or skirts must be worn, and monks should not be touched in any way by women. Shoes should always be removed when entering temples and private houses. For this reason, most Thais wear slip-on shoes to avoid constantly tying and untying laces. 
4. Avoid touching Thai people as they don't like it. The head is the most sacred part of the body, so should not be touched. The feet are the least sacred, so when sitting they should not point at anyone - most Thais sit on the floor with their feet tucked under their bodies behind them. To point, particularly with foot, is extremely insulting. 
5. When eating, it is considered very rude to blow your nose or to lick you fingers. The right hand must be used to pick up food eaten with the fingers. 
6. Thais do not traditionally shake hands, the wai is the usual greeting. The hands are placed together as in prayer, and raised upwards towards the face, while the head is lowered in a slight bow. The height to which the hands should be raised depends on the status of the person you are waiing to In the case of monks, dignitaries and old people the hands are raised to the bridge of the nose, with equals only as far as the chest. Young people and inferiors are not waid, but nodded slightly to.