Intro to Thai Culture

Thai Culture 101:

1. Wai-ing is the traditional way to greet others. For someone who is older than you, you bring both hands together and bend your head down to touch your nose to your thumbs. But it doesn't always go for street vendors or other careers considered "lowly".

2. Pointing your feet towards an elder is considered to be very rude so you sit with your feet tucked behind you.

3. It is customary to eat kao-niao (sticky rice) by rolling it in your hands and forming it into a ball.

4. Thai people don't really eat beef. Most of their dishes are egg, chicken or pork.

5. Students who went in the past said I shouldn't bring jeans or nice clothes but it's ironic because Thais place a lot of importance on physical appearances.

6. Then again, it is disrespectful to wear clothing showing the shoulders or the knees.

7. The smile is a natural part of life. :)

8. You don't use your left hand for much. It is usually the hand that wipes the butt after using the squat toilets D:

9. Pointing or putting your hands in your pockets is considered rude.

10. There is no tipping in restaurants or cover charges in clubs :)