Living well alongside Thai culture
The customs that matter most, the laws that surprise newcomers, and how to start learning the language.
The essentials
- The monarchy is deeply respected and protected by a strict law (Section 112 of the Criminal Code). Criticism, including online, can mean prison.
- Stand for the royal anthem before films, and pause when the national anthem plays at 8am and 6pm in public places.
- At temples, cover shoulders and knees and take your shoes off before entering buildings.
- The head is respected and the feet are low. Don't touch people's heads or point your feet at people or Buddha images.
- E-cigarettes are illegal, and since 2025 buying cannabis needs a prescription.
Who this is for
Everyone. Getting the basics right makes daily life warmer and avoids the handful of mistakes that are genuinely serious here.
Everyday courtesy
The wai (palms together, a small bow) is a greeting and a thank-you. Return it when someone wais you; you do not need to wai staff in shops or restaurants first.
Keeping calm matters. Raising your voice in a dispute usually makes things worse — people will try hard to help someone who stays polite.
Take your shoes off when entering someone's home.
Dress modestly away from the beach, especially in government offices — immigration offices may turn you away in shorts or a vest.
Laws newcomers don't expect
Lèse-majesté: never make negative comments about the royal family, including sharing or liking posts online.
Vaping: e-cigarettes and vape liquids are illegal to import, sell or use, and fines are enforced.
Alcohol: sales are restricted to set hours of the day and banned on some Buddhist holidays and election days.
Drugs: penalties are severe. Since mid-2025 cannabis is back to medical use only, sold with a prescription.
Learning Thai
A few dozen phrases change how people respond to you. The phrasebook in the app has practice built around real situations — the market, a taxi, the doctor — with spaced repetition so it sticks.
Related guides
Emergency numbers, Visas (dress for the immigration office), Learn Thai phrasebook.
Official sources
Everything above is written from these. Rules change without notice, so check the relevant one before you book, pay or travel.
This page was last checked against those sources on 26 September 2026. Spotted something out of date? and we'll re-check it.