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Beach Etiquette in Thailand

Thailand is a relaxed country to visit but that doesn’t mean that anything goes. Unfortunately, some tourists forget that when they hit the beach. Although Thai people in tourist resorts are generally very tolerant, partly out of practicality because tourism brings revenue and jobs, there are some things that show disrespect to local culture and customs and should be avoided.

Women sunbathing topless

Topless sunbathing by women is frowned upon by local Thai people. This is true for everywhere in Thailand, but in particular on some of the southern islands and beaches where there is a local Muslim population. The fact that it’s highly unlikely that any Thai person will actually reprimand a foreign woman for sunbathing topless doesn’t make it right or acceptable.

I’ve spent the last week in Phuket including a stay on Kamala Beach and I was surprised at the number of topless foreign women who were walking along the beach. They were clearly ignorant of local customs which is made worse in Kamala because there is a large Islamic cemetery just behind the beach.

Put your shirt on in restaurants

It might be a cheap and cheerful beach-side restaurant, but if men don’t have the courtesy to put a shirt on it shows disrespect to the owners and other people eating there and it doesn’t go unnoticed by Thai people. In Thailand, food and food etiquette is important and no man should need a sign in English to tell them they need to put on a shirt before eating at a restaurant, even a beach-side restaurant.

Category: Culture & Etiquette

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About Roy Cavanagh

Roy Cavanagh is a former stand-up comedian who now works as a freelance writer and website designer. Passionate about Thailand and Thai culture, Roy is also the editor of the online magazine, Fan Club Thailand.

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About Thaizer

Thank you for your interest in Thaizer. My name is Roy Cavanagh and I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Thailand and travel to every region of the country over a number of years. Thaizer.com is where I share my knowledge and experience with you. Just like any destination, Thailand has its good points and its bad points and I try to offer honest and practical advice.

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