Koh Samui Etiquette (Dos & Don'ts)

Every country has its own (and often unspoken) expectations of what is right and proper and what constitutes rudeness. Thailand is no exception. And, although the Thai people are tolerant and will excuse your ignorance on the grounds you are 'Farang' (foreign) and don't know any better, they will also think more highly of you if they are aware that you have made something of an effort on their behalf.

The 'Wai'

This is the gracious gesture that you see everywhere when Thai people put their hands together when they greet you. There are lots of different ways of doing this and you probably won't know about  any of this or what it implies. The first point is that it is never offered to children or 'servants' - ie you don't do it first! And, although you are egalitarian and all people are equal in your eyes and the friendly staff in your hotel are your 'friends', they will be smiling at your ignorance as you greet them in the same way (in their eyes) as a beggar does to a king. Never 'wai' with your hands above chin level, as this is a sign of utter humility and subservience!

That said, there are several other things you might do that won't cause simple amusement but might provoke displeasure or even anger.

Don'ts

To the Thai people, the head is a sacred part of the body and the feet are spiritually unclean. It's an unthinking gesture to ruffle the hair of a child, but that is invading the space above their head so don't do it unless you have known them for some time. Particularly be wary of moving your feet into the space over the head of a Thai person - although this only ever seems to happen in the bedroom or on the beach!

And when sitting down, please please don't loll about with your feet up on the table - even on the beach - if there are Thai people around.

The Thai people are a very modest race and they find large expanses of uncovered flesh quite upsetting. It's fair enough on the beach but in the evening, particularly in a restaurant, please put some clothes on. And the same goes for shopping. Please don't walk around Lotus Tesco in your swimwear!

This respect for others is particularly appropriate when you visit a 'wat' (temple). Cover up please. Shorts and a tee shirt is fine, but please, ladies, no skimpy tops or shorts.
Keeping in this area, if a woman makes any sort of physical contact with a monk it will cause him great distress and a lengthy 'purification' ritual. Take care, particularly on the street or on public transport.

Resist being over-assertive or getting angry - it just won't work. If faced with a situation that's unpleasant Thai people will slow down or disappear on an errand for half an hour and the madder you get the slower things will go. The Thais will react far more quickly to you speaking very slowly and quietly and keeping eye contact without a smile. That way they know you are angry and it doesn't make them 'lose face', either!

One final small point - don't pick your teeth after a meal without covering your mouth with the other hand. The Thai people view this the same way we would if someone broke wind next to you at the table!

Dos

Do take off your shoes before entering a house. This applies to some shops, too. If you're not sure, just check if there are shoes outside already and follow suite.

If a Thai person invites you out for a meal then don't attempt to pay the bill or a part of it - they will feel insulted. It's a sign of status for them to be able to pay, but you might quietly buy a bottle of local brandy for the table instead. This will be much appreciated!

Do keep your temper at all time (see above!) Sometimes the ways the Thai people respond to situations are quite different to what we would expect in the West. (ie If you have a reason to complain about something, for example.) Shouting and demanding your 'rights' will get you nowhere fast!

Do expect things to not be on time or people to be late for appointments. (Including the taxi to the airport on the way back home.) Things run at a different pace here so make allowances!