By NaJade · DJ in Bangkok · Published October 20, 2026
The core rules of Thai etiquette are simple: show respect for the monarchy and Buddhism, dress modestly at temples, never touch someone’s head or point your feet at people or Buddha images, take your shoes off where others do, and keep calm in public. A few of these are also laws — insulting the royal family and carrying a vape can both lead to serious trouble.
Bangkok is a relaxed, forgiving city, and Thai people rarely expect visitors to get everything right. But a handful of customs run deep, and getting them wrong can cause real offence — or, in a couple of cases, legal problems. After years of living, working and playing gigs here, these are the ones I’d tell any friend before they land.
Respect the King and the royal family, and never joke about them. Cover shoulders and knees at temples. Don’t touch heads or point your feet. Return a wai with a smile, stay calm in disagreements, and remember that vapes are illegal and alcohol isn’t sold between midnight and 11am.
Greetings, Heads and Feet
- The wai. Palms pressed together at chest height with a slight bow. The younger or lower-status person usually offers it first. If someone wais you, return it. You don’t need to wai shop staff, waiters or children — a smile and “khop khun” (thank you) is perfect.
- The head is sacred. Don’t touch anyone’s head, including patting a child’s hair.
- Feet are the lowest part of the body. Don’t point them at people, Buddha images or shrines, don’t rest them on tables or chairs, and don’t step over people sitting on the floor.
- Never step on money. Thai banknotes and coins carry the King’s image, so don’t stop a rolling coin with your foot.
Temples and Monks
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Cover shoulders and knees; sleeves for everyone | Wear vests, thin straps, short shorts or ripped clothes |
| Take off shoes and hats before entering the hall | Step on the raised threshold |
| Sit with your feet tucked away from the Buddha | Point your feet at a Buddha image |
| Speak quietly and ask before photographing people | Climb on, touch or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images |
| Women: hand items to a monk via a man, or set them down | Women: touch a monk or his robes |
The Grand Palace is the strictest: no sleeveless tops, a scarf over bare shoulders isn’t accepted, and knees must be covered — trousers can be rented or bought at the entrance if needed. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has a useful temple etiquette guide, and I cover outfits in what to wear in Bangkok.
The Monarchy and the Anthems
The Thai royal family is deeply respected, and this is the one area where etiquette and the law overlap completely. Under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, defaming, insulting or threatening the King, Queen, Heir-apparent or Regent carries 3 to 15 years in prison per count, and it applies to foreigners, including for posts made online. Damaging banknotes or royal images can also count.
- Don’t joke about or criticise the royal family, even in conversation.
- The national anthem plays at 8am and 6pm in public places such as parks and stations. People stop and stand still until it ends — do the same.
- At the cinema, the Royal Anthem plays before the film. Everyone stands.
Social Behaviour: Jai Yen and Saving Face
Thais value jai yen — a “cool heart”. Raising your voice or losing your temper means losing face, and it rarely gets results; staff may simply stop engaging. If a bill is wrong or a taxi goes the long way, smile, stay polite and calmly ask again. A few other habits that help:
- Keep public affection low-key. Kissing and hugging in public is frowned upon, though friends holding hands is normal.
- Take your shoes off when entering homes, and wherever you see a pile of shoes at the door.
- Don’t point with one finger at people; gesture with an open hand.
- Tipping is appreciated, not required — see do you tip in Bangkok?
Local Laws Visitors Often Miss
| Rule | What to know |
|---|---|
| Vapes and e-cigarettes | Illegal to buy, own or use — no tourist exception. Fines and even jail are possible. |
| Alcohol sales hours | Since mid-2026, shops can sell from 11am to midnight; no sales from midnight to 11am outside licensed venues |
| Buddhist holy days | Nationwide alcohol sales bans on some holy days, with exemptions for licensed hotels and venues |
| Cannabis | A controlled herb: medical use with a prescription only; recreational use is illegal |
| Smoking | Banned in many public places and on popular beaches, with heavy fines |
| Buddha images | Exporting them needs a Fine Arts Department permit |
Rules change, so check the UK Foreign Office’s advice on Thailand’s local laws before you travel. For nightlife timings, see what time bars close in Bangkok, and for staying out of trouble, is Bangkok safe?
A Note From NaJade
Playing weddings and private events in Bangkok has taught me more about Thai etiquette than any guidebook. I’ve watched a whole ballroom go quiet and stand for the Royal Anthem, and I’ve seen how much a simple wai back to an elderly guest means to a family. Nobody expects you to be perfect. What people notice is whether you’re trying. Cover up at the temple, keep your feet down, smile when things go wrong, and you’ll find Thais incredibly warm and patient with you. The few hard rules — the monarchy, vapes — are worth taking seriously. Everything else is just good manners, Bangkok-style.
More: things to do in Bangkok, how to make friends in Bangkok, Bangkok scams to avoid, and the US State Department’s Thailand page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not do in Thailand?
How do you greet someone in Thailand?
What is the dress code for temples in Bangkok?
Is it illegal to criticise the Thai King?
Are vapes illegal in Thailand?
What time can you buy alcohol in Thailand?
About the Author
NaJade is a Bangkok-based DJ playing progressive house, melodic EDM, pop, and Thai music across clubs, rooftops, and weddings in Thailand — and has lived in the city long enough to have made every one of these mistakes at least once. Find him on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
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