Thailand was called Siam until 1939. Unlike other South-East Asian countries, it has never been colonized by foreign powers. Although Thailand has suffered periodic invasions by the Burmese and the Khmer, and was occupied by the Japanese for a very short period during WWII, the kingdom was never externally controlled for long enough to have an impact on its national integrity or identity.

Although the Thai people are often described as fun-loving, they are actually very strong minded and have struggled for centuries to preserve their independence of spirit.

Thailand, like other South-East Asian countries, has been influenced greatly through contact with foreign cultures. But the ever-changing spirit of Thai culture has remained dominant, even in modern times.

Do's and Don'ts in Thailand

The Monarchy
Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.

Religion
Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.

Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.

Social Norms
Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet each one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a 'wai'. Generally a younger person 'wais' an elder, who then returns it.

Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.