Survival Skills You’ll Need in Thailand

Public Expression

• Thai people are generally quite conservative, so hugging and kissing in public places is considered impolite in Thai society. Though nowadays it's more acceptable, some still people take this seriously.

Traffic/ Public Transportation

• Every time you get on a taxi, make sure the meter is turned on

• Be careful while you are walking on the sidewalk as sometimes you will find motorcycle drivers who might use the same path as you.

• Traffic chaos: be careful when crossing the street! Be patient and wait for a suitable time to cross to avoid any accidents!

• Use one of the footbridges or look out for traffic lights.

Dressing up

• Dress lightly- it’s always hot here!

• When you go to the temple, please dress properly. Try to avoid wearing shorts and tank top.

Having a meal in Thailand

• Don’t forget to thank your host with a polite kawp khun khrap/kha ("thank you" male/female) at the end of the meal.

• Just “spicy” means unbearably spicy for some foreigners. Know your spice tolerance before ordering.

• Thai people generally use forks and spoons instead of chopsticks. However Thai Chinese-style noodle soups are eaten with chopsticks and a soup spoon.

Talking politics

• Complaining about politicians is part of normal life in many countries but it is best to avoid this in Thailand. You can try, but you may be met with silence or an attempt to change the subject as politics is a sensitive topic here