Can you shake hands in Thailand?

Thais greet each other with a “wai” ,instead of a bow or handshake. Although foreigners are not expected to initiate the wai gesture, it is certainly an insult not to return the wai. Do not worry if a wai is not offered to you. You can simply shake hands if it is a man and smile and nod if it is women.

Why do they not shake hands in Thailand?

Thais greet each other with a “wai.” Foreigners are not expected to initiate the wai gesture, but it is an insult not to return the wai. If a wai is not offered to you, shake hands with men and smile and nod to women.

What country is it rude to shake hands?

In some Asian countries, a hard handshake is considered rude. In Vietnam, you should only shake hands with someone who’s your equal in age or rank. In Thailand, instead of shaking hands, you’re more likely to bow with your hands together and up to your chest.

How do you show respect in Thailand?

In Thailand, a wai, a gesture where you place your hand together in a “praying” sign at chest level, is a polite greeting. To show more respect, raise the wai higher, to your chin or nose-level.

Can you hold hands in Thailand?

Holding hands is OK for foreigners, but rarely seen at locals. * It is not acceptable to touch someone’s head – not even children’s; the head is considered to be the most sacred part of the human body.

Can you hug in Thailand?

Do Not Hug and Kiss in Public (Couple)

Thailand is a conservative country, so hugging and kissing in public places is considered impolite in Thai society. Though nowadays it’s more acceptable, still some old people take it seriously.

What is considered rude in Thailand?

Don’t point your feet: Pointing your feet at someone, raising your feet higher than someone’s head, or simply putting your feet on a desk or chair are considered extremely rude in Thailand. The bottoms of the feet are dirty: don’t show them to people! Avoid pointing feet at Buddhas in and outside of temples.

Is thumbs up rude in Thailand?

Traditionally, giving someone the “thumbs up” gesture is similar to giving them the middle finger – ultimately derogatory in nature. While adults in Thailand today have adopted its more international meaning of approval or a job well done, it’s still common for kids to exchange the gesture during a childish argument.

What does the pinky finger mean in Thailand?

Meaning: This hand gesture is used when you promise another person something or if you want to reconcile with another person. How to do: Make a fist and stick your pinky finger out.

Is eye contact rude in Thailand?

Pointing with a single finger is considered to be rude and accusatory. Eye Contact: Eye contact shows attentiveness to the person talking. … When being instructed or spoken to by a superior, it is respectful to lower one’s eyes. Height and Bowing: An important way Thais show respect is through lowering their head.

Can you wear red in Thailand?

Of course, it is perfectly safe to wear a red shirt in Thailand! Unless that is you wear one and join a mass demonstration against the army’s orders… Red is an auspicious color in Thailand cause of the Thai-Chinese, and Sunday is the ‘red day of the week’.

Is touching someone’s head in Thailand disrespectful?

Don’t touch people’s heads

In Thailand, the head is considered sacred and the cleanest part of the body, so it’s deemed offensive to touch people’s heads or hair. If you slip up and do this accidently, apologise as soon as you can and you’ll find most Thais will quickly forgive you for it.

What does cross finger mean in Thailand?

to place a finger across the one next to it, for good luck. ขอให้โชคดี

Why do Thai put their hands together?

Greetings are accompanied by the gesture known as a ‘wai‘, which is the placing of two palms together, with fingertips touching the nose. A wai indicates the level of respect for another person and is an acknowledgement of seniority. A person should bow their head with their palms pressed together to indicate respect.

What does it mean to cross your legs and point your foot at someone in Thailand?

It is also very important to never point or gesture at someone with your foot. This can be taken as an insult. … That means that if you are sitting down in a temple, you have to sit with both legs to one side (feet up and pointing backward) or on your knees. Don’t sit with your legs crossed.

Why is it rude to point in Thailand?

Pointing your feet at someone is considered very rude in Thailand and should be avoided at all costs. The feet are considered as the lowest and dirtiest part of the body and the bottoms should never be pointed at anyone, especially at Buddhas.

Why is the left hand considered unclean in Thailand?

Many countries: Left handers

In many parts of the world, the left hand is considered unclean, usually because it’s used for “ablutions”.

Do men in Thailand hold hands?

Thais avoid public displays of affection. While straight members of the same gender often hold hands, or walk arm in arm (this includes men), you’ll rarely see a Thai man and woman acting this way.