Things you should avoid doing in Thailand
In this article, you’ll find out what’s best to avoid in Thailand—and what is especially appreciated.
Duration: approx. [4:52 minutes]
As of April 2026
Audio Transcript
Do's and Don'ts – what really matters in Thailand
There are plenty of lists of things you should or shouldn’t do in Thailand. But much of the advice is very general.
So I’d like to share a few tips that are genuinely useful in everyday situations—especially in Bangkok, and particularly when you want to avoid misunderstandings.
The most important rule is: stay calm. Even when something isn’t working.
In Thailand, people often say: whoever raises their voice has lost. It may not be logical, but it’s human nature. As soon as you become sharp, demanding, or angry, the other person shuts down. Suddenly, they don’t understand English anymore. Or they only understand what’s convenient for them.
The more difficult a situation becomes, the more calmly you should speak.
A second point: “Yes” doesn’t always mean yes.
I’ve experienced this myself. I hailed a taxi on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok and wanted to go to Sathorn Road. I asked the driver if he knew the address. He said yes.
So off we went.
When we were nearby, I asked again whether he really knew where he was going. He said yes again, while looking rather lost.
In the end, I had to get out and take another taxi. Back then, I didn’t have a phone with Google Maps.
Why does this happen? Sometimes a driver simply doesn’t want to lose the fare. But often there’s another reason: many Thais are reluctant to say outright that they don’t know something, because that would mean losing face.
My tip: Don’t just ask, “Do you know the address?” Show it to them on your phone. Ask them to repeat it. Or quickly check the route on Google Maps. It’ll save you a lot of time.
The same goes for temples and palaces: show respect. Cover your shoulders. Cover your knees. Take off your shoes when required.
This isn’t just a rule. It’s a sign of respect.
Be very careful when criticizing the royal family, the monarchy, or Buddhism. My advice is simple: keep your opinions on these matters to yourself. Thailand is no place for provocative comments on these issues.
One more thing many people don’t know: the head is off-limits.
If you see a child and think they’re cute, don’t pat them on the head—even if you mean it as a friendly gesture. In Thailand, the head is considered the highest and most sensitive part of the body. It’s better to stick to a friendly smile or compliment.
And then there’s the famous Thai smile.
I have to say: It does me good every time I arrive in Thailand and see friendly faces. You feel welcome right away.
But a smile doesn’t automatically mean agreement. It can show friendliness. It can mask uncertainty. It can soften rejection. Sometimes it’s simply meant to keep a situation from becoming awkward.
So don’t just listen to the words. Pay attention to the tone, any hesitation, and the way something is said.
If you’re unhappy with a hotel, tour or restaurant, feel free to say so. Just be factual. Be specific. Don’t threaten to leave a bad review.
Publicly calling someone out is quickly seen as causing them to lose face in Thailand. And it often achieves the opposite.
One sensitive point remains: the police.
If you are stopped, remain polite and calm. Don’t argue loudly. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand. And if something seems odd, feel free to say that you would like to contact the Tourist Police.
I’ve experienced this myself more than once. I was stopped for questionable reasons, accused of an offense, and ultimately faced a demand for money.
At that moment, I realized I wouldn’t get out of this without a solution. But the amount quoted was far too high.
So I remained polite. I showed I was willing to talk and said with a smile that I definitely needed an official receipt.
That sentence alone often changes things. In my case, the demand suddenly seemed much smaller.
You don’t have to like it. But sometimes it’s wiser to end a situation pragmatically than to get bogged down in it for hours.