Thailand is one of the most visited nations by tourists in Southeast Asia. Yet, between beautiful beaches, fantastic Temples, and Museums, we often forget that every place we visit around the world has its traditions and rules, written and unwritten, that each of us should respect.
This is all the truer in an Asian country that, by nature, is very different from the West. Even though some places are becoming Westernized due to mass tourism, some things are essential to know before going on a trip to Thailand.
Dress appropriately to enter temples
Temples are considered sacred places; if you plan to visit any of them, try as much as possible to dress appropriately. It is important to cover certain body parts such as knees and shoulders, not dress too tight, and not to holes in jeans.
In short cover-up, in the most famous temples, unique clothes are available to cover these parts of the body for those who go to the Temples unprepared.
If you try to bargain the price, you may be able to get a better price
In Thailand, you haggle mainly in the so-called fake markets, stores that sell products similar to the originals but clearly of lower quality.
Also, you haggle not only in stores but also for cabs or tuk-tuks. Do not trust cab and tuk-tuk drivers. Let’s assume it is a must to haggle the price before boarding (they know you are tourists and will try to charge you a high price).
Often after you tell them your destination, they will tell you that the place or attraction where you want to go is closed and offer you an alternative.
They will lie to you 99% and try to take you to a store, club, or restaurant run by their friends; it is one of the most common scams in Thailand, so do not trust them.
Clothes to bring to Thailand
It is important to bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, not only to be able to enter the Temples but especially to guard against mosquitoes that are most common in the early morning hours and before night falls.
Even in some Museums, it is a good idea to dress this way, as some will prohibit you from entering with clothing that is too beachy.
A pair of sandals is also a must; it is customary to enter some places barefoot so that you do not have to stand putting on and taking off your shoes each time. It is better to bring sandals to at or buy them as soon as you arrive on site.
Things not to do in Thailand that could result in arrest
– Smoking on the beach and at airports. In Thailand, there is a ban on smoking at 24 beaches and six airports operated by Airports of Thailand (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, and Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai);
– Insulting the royal family. Thai people see the Royal Family as their family avoiding the topic is the best way to avoid trouble; there are fundamental laws that condemn those who slander the Royals.
The offense of lese majesty is punished very severely, risking up to 15 years in prison. So be careful about what you say or write about the Thai royal family while on its territory on social media.
– Gambling by wagering money. In Thailand, casinos are banned. However, if you feel like playing, there are several platforms where you can find the best safe, and easy-to-access online casinos. On these sites, you will find not only the classic games such as poker and roulette but many others, some even with a live croupier. Finally, one more reason you should not mind that physical casino are banned in Thailand is that these online casinos offer numerous welcome bonuses and many other benefits you can only enjoy by playing online.
– Consuming drugs. Being found in possession of a small amount of drugs (even soft drugs) is enough to land you immediately in jail and risk prosecution.
– Smoking or possessing electronic cigarettes is strictly prohibited in Thailand.
– Staying in the country after your visa expires is not tolerated, so check the date of entry into the country carefully because it could cost you dearly.
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