Thailand Travel Tips

Thailand Travel Tips

Do's and Don't in Thailand

..The Monarchy : Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal

..Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attireIt is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.

Laying Buddha

Wat Arun

..Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.

Social Norms : Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.
..Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

Special Advice :

Beware of unauthorised people who offer their services as guides. For all tourist information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel : 1672. For information about Bangkok, contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Tourist Bureau, Tel : 0 2225 7612-4.
Observe all normal precautions as regards to personal safety, as well as the safety fof your belongings. Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your valuables-money, jewellery, and airline tickets are properly protected from loss. Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, unethical practices, or other matters, please call the Tourist Police at Tel: 1155.
Drop your garbage into a waste container. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration id no strictly enforcing the law in an effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The fine will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas.
Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand.
Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.

Tipping

..Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated

Speaking Thai

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Thai Vowel & Tonal

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Thai Consonant

..Thai is a tonal language belonging to the group of Ka-Tai languages, the five tones are monotone, low, falling, high, and rising. This can be a rather complicated language for the visitor; however, English is quite widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language

Useful Thai
Basic greeting and phrases
Hello/good morning	Sawasdee crup/kha
Thank you	Khob khun crup/kha
Nerver mind	mai pen rai
How are you?	Sabai dee mai?
Fine,thanks	Sabai dee
I cann't speak thai	Chan phud Thai mai keng
Do you understand?	Khun kao jai mai?
Where are you going?	Khun jak pai nai?
Where is the toilet ?	Hong naam yu thi nai?
That' s too expensive	Phaeng pai
How much is it?	Thao-rai?
I am hungry	Chan hue
May i have menu please	Chan kho menu
The bill,please	Keb ngen duay crub/kha
Good bye	La kon
See you again	Leaw phob kan mai
please to meet you	Dee jai thee dai phob khun
Happy New Year	Sawasdee pee mai
Happy Birthday	Sooksan wan kerd
Good luck	Chok dee
Sorry,Excuseme	Koh thot crup/kha
Politness particles are frequently used,particularly when asking or answering questions.They soften the words spoken and encourage a harmonious feeling in the mind of thai.
The particle for woman	Kha
The particle for man	Krup
Question & phrases
What?	A rai?
When?	Mua rai?
Where?	Thinai?
Why?	Thum mai?
Obviously,it is better and more fun to ask a Thai to help say the words correctly.The Thai spelling should help you to do better.

Bargening

..Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40% lower than the original asking price. Much depends on your skills and the shopkeeper's mood. But remember, Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With patience and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price, you will also enjoy shopping as an art.

information provided by T.A.T (Tourism Autority of Thailand)