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À savoir

À savoir — practical info about Thailand

Short, reviewed practical points worth knowing — separate from our longer step-by-step guides.

Travel

Essential Thai phrases every visitor should know

A short, practical list of Thai words and phrases for everyday situations — greetings, politeness, shopping and asking for help — including the gendered polite particles used by male and female speakers.

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Travel

Thai customs and etiquette: the wai, temples and everyday respect

How the traditional Thai greeting (the wai) works, who to use it with, the dress code expected inside temples, and the basic etiquette around monks that every visitor should know.

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Travel

Laws and prohibitions every visitor to Thailand should know

A few Thai laws surprise visitors because they differ sharply from home — vaping, criticism of the monarchy and drug laws carry real legal risk. Here is what to know before you travel, and why you should always verify current rules.

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Travel

Everyday etiquette in Thailand: public transport, homes and public behaviour

Simple, commonly overlooked rules of everyday behaviour in Thailand — on the BTS/MRT, inside a Thai home, and in public generally — that help visitors avoid unintentionally causing offence.

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Travel

Thailand shop hours and public holidays: the complete guide

From convenience-store and mall opening hours to the full calendar of Thai public holidays — origins, meaning, and what actually changes for shopping, getting around, and buying alcohol.

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Travel

Common tourist scams in Thailand and how to avoid them

The handful of scams that catch out visitors again and again in Thailand — scooter and jet-ski deposits, the gem scam, and the "temple is closed today" trick — and how to protect yourself, including the tourist police number to call.

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