Dos and Don'ts in Bangkok

How to greet a local

• Place my palms together as if I'm saying a prayer. This is the wai gesture.
• The tips of my fingers should be somewhere between my chin and nose; closer to the nose if I am greeting a person of higher honour, e.g. an elderly.
• If someone greets me with a wai gesture, I should respond in a wai gesture.

Smile and say It

• Because I'm a female, I will say 'sawa-dii-kha'. If you're a guy, you go 'sawa-dii-khrap'.
• This is the Land of Smiles so make sure you do.
• Avoid losing your temper under any circumstances, because it means a loss of face for both you and those watching.
• Also avoid talking loudly because this is very rude for a Bangkoknian.

Avoid the feet and head

• Never point your feet at people or things because it is the lowest part of the body, physically and spirtually.
• Similarly, as the head is regarded as the highest part of the body, never touch a Thai on the head. But do apologize immediately if you accidentally do so, or it's considered very rude.

What to wear

• From  December to January, the weather can get cool in the evenings so bring a jacket or cardigan to layer up.
• For the rest of the year, the weather can get pretty hot so dress lightly. Cotton and linen is good.