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The Monarchy :

Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.

Religion :

Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.

Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.

Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.

Tipping :

Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated.

Social Norms :

Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.

Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude.

Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

Tourist Assistance Centre:

• Tourism Authority of Thailand Le Concorde Building 202 Ratchadapisek Road Bangkok 10310
  Tel: 694-1222 ext. 1090-1094Mobile Police 191

• Tourist Police 199 , 02-2815051

• Ambulance (Bangkok) 02-2522171

Do's & Don'ts for Trekkers

National parks and wildlife sanctuaries have rules for visitors that are made to ensure environmental protection as well as your own safety. You can contribute to the preservation of Thailand's natural heritage by observing the simple rules of leaving nothing behind, taking nothing with you.

Avoid narcotics, essentially everything from 'soft drugs' such as marijuana to 'hard drugs' such as opium and heroin, both during travel and at hilltribe villages. There are severe penalties for such usage. Valuables, such as passport, jewelry and money, should be deposited in the safe of your hotel or guest house while you are trekking upcountry.

Wear sensible clothing to protect your limbs and sleep under a mosquito net at night. Malaria is a real threat, and sensible precautions should be taken to avoid it. Bring warm clothes during the cool months, November-February. Pack light and bring along insect repellant for jungle trek or camping trip.

When visiting hilltribe villages trekkers should also remember to Respect hilltribe beliefs and religious symbols and structures. Dress modestly. Hilltribe people are generally modest. Inappropriate attire may offend them. Ask permission before photographing someone. Some villages do not permit photography.

Avoid trading western medicines and articles of clothing. Contributions to their welfare, items such as pens, paper, needles, thread, cloth and material used for embroidery are perfectly acceptable.