Whether they’ve been to Thailand before or not, most people will be familiar with the traditional Thai form of greeting, the wai, in which the palms are pressed together in prayer-like fashion and the head is lowered. However, what appears to be a simple gesture is in fact governed by very subtle … [Read more...]

Thais have a philosophy of keeping their cool and not losing their temper; jai yen (cool heart). To raise your voice and lose your temper is not good form and confrontation is to be avoided. However, that doesn't mean that every Thai person you meet will be the stereotype happy-go-lucky person you … [Read more...]

Despite Thailand’s apparently laid-back and relaxed attitude, it can be surprisingly easy for unaware visitors to cause offence. Manners are important to Thai people and what may be acceptable in Western society is not always appropriate in Thailand. Thai people consider the head and shoulders … [Read more...]