Thailand Other Essentials
Electricity
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug
Flat blade attachment plug (2 and also 3 pin); round 2-pin attachment plug.
Local Traditions
If one country sums up a welcoming atmosphere it has to be Thailand. The Land of Smiles is just that with local people being very welcoming. Thailand is, nonetheless, a traditional Buddhist nation and an awareness and respect of local traditions is essential and appreciated.
Thai people hold the King in high regard and it is both socially unacceptable and illegal to make derogatory remarks about the Royal Family.
Thai people avoid pointing their feet at people when sat down and neither do they extend their legs so that people have to step over them. Children too should not be patted on the head as the head is much revered as the seat of a person’s spirit. Respect should be shown to all images of the Buddha and again here the feet should not be pointed towards any Buddha image.
As ever in Asia dress should be modest in cities, towns and villages with knee length skirts for women and long trousers for men; T shirts are OK but bare shoulders should always be avoided. Shoes are removed when entering homes. The above dress code is essential when visiting wats (temple/monasteries).
Beach resorts have more relaxed standards of dress though topless bathing is not acceptable in Thailand, despite what you may see.
The right hand should be used for eating or for passing things to people as the left is used when going to the toilet. Most Thais use the wai, the palm-together greeting common in Asia, but foreigners should avoid initiating instead, waiting for someone else to wai first. Thais are also as with many Asian nations loathe to raise their voices and lose control; the concept of jai yen or ‘cool heart’ means people try to remain calm under all circumstances.
