Thailand is a warm, relaxed, and welcoming country, but if you scratch beneath the surface, you’ll find an incredible culture steeped in ancient customs and beliefs.
There are a host of things to do in Thailand, and there is plenty to discover about the amusing and serious customs of the country that are close to the hearts of the Thai people. Thai customs have their roots stretching long into the past, etching a collective social memory as to how to behave. Here are five Thai customs that often leave the foreigners baffled. Scroll down to check them out.
The national anthem is played twice a day
The Thai people are very collective in their thinking and undertake every group action seriously. One manifestation of this group-oriented culture is revealed by their practice of playing the national anthem, “Pheng Chat”, twice a day across the country. Every day at 8 am and 6 pm, in train stations, schools, in parks, and on TV, people stop whatever they’re doing and stand to listen to the anthem. Foreigners are expected to follow the same custom.
Spirits are appeased with an offering of red Fanta
Thai culture is heavily molded by Buddhist beliefs and from this comes the ancient custom of appeasing ghosts and spirits, a kind of animism. All across the country, you will notice spirit houses or shrines where people offer red Fanta. Why? Traditionally Thais would offer sweet red things to appease the spirits, so this has been carried on by the people, but in a way more modern and fizzy way.
Thai people tend to repeat what you say
In Thailand, if you make a statement or ask someone a question, it is common for a Thai person to just repeat it back. Foreigners might find it strange and is normally misunderstood. But you see, Thais are indirect communicators who immensely stress politeness. So, when they repeat something, it implies, they might not have understood you, and they require more time to process it or are looking for your reaction so they figure out what to say.
People wash their feet to freshen up
Well, this custom is not just about freshening up but more about cleanliness. It is essential to note that cleanliness in Thai culture is a big deal. So, when people arrive home they wash their feet to remove any dirt and to prevent it from spreading all over the house. As per Thai customs, the feet are also considered the dirtiest part of the body.
A Thai concept of head and feet
While you are in Thailand, do not touch anyone’s head, or even pat kids on their head.
The head is considered sacred or holy across the region. This custom also includes, not touching or feeling someone’s hair. Similarly, the natives consider feet as dirty and it is improper to point one’s feet at another person.
Remember, knowing and following Thai customs will earn you a great deal of respect as a traveler in Thailand.
