What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Bangkok?

We asked people in Bangkok if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Bangkok. It is considered rude to point with your feet, so it is best to avoid doing so. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and other religious sites. It is also important to be respectful when taking photographs, as some people may not want to be photographed. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and to be respectful of the Thai people and their culture," remarked another expat in Bangkok, Thailand.

"Oh God, I'm sure I used a few words that did not have the right tone and was probably a nasty word, but they forgive me. I have had many laughs with Thai's because of something that I thought I said, that I didn't mean. My Thai friends taught me some bad words, that I repeated. Jokes on me! There is much humor in the Thai culture, so don't be embarrased to struggle with language, because it can break the ice. Oh yeah, make sure you eat all of your rice on the plate, as leaving some is an offence," said a member in Bangkok, Thailand.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Bangkok?

If you live in Bangkok, newcomers to Bangkok would love to hear your answer to this question.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.