À savoir — practical info about Thailand

Why a few words go a long way

Thai people generally appreciate any visitor who attempts a few words of their language, even imperfectly. You do not need fluency — a handful of polite phrases used at the right moment (greeting a shopkeeper, thanking a driver, asking a price) noticeably changes how an interaction feels on both sides.

The gendered polite particle

Thai sentences are commonly finished with a small polite particle that changes depending on the speaker's gender: men add ครับ (khrap), women add ค่ะ (khâ). It is used constantly, including after greetings, thanks and simple answers, and is one of the easiest ways to sound polite even with very few other words.

Everyday essentials

• Hello — สวัสดี (sawasdee, + khrap/khâ)
• Thank you — ขอบคุณ (khob khun, + khrap/khâ)
• Yes — ใช่ (châi)
• No — ไม่ (mâi)
• Please / could you... — ขอ...หน่อย (khǒr ... nòi)
• Sorry / excuse me — ขอโทษ (khǒr thôht)
• How much does it cost? — เท่าไหร่ (thâo rài)
• Where is the toilet? — ห้องน้ำอยู่ไหน (hông nám yòo nǎi)
• Takeaway / to go — ใส่ถุง (sài thŭng — literally "put it in a bag", the common phrase for street-food orders)
• Spicy — เผ็ด (phèt)
• Not spicy — ไม่เผ็ด (mâi phèt)

A note on tones

Thai is a tonal language: the same syllable pronounced with a different pitch can mean something completely different. Written phonetics like the ones above are a starting point, not a guarantee of correct pronunciation — small mistakes are extremely common among visitors and are met with patience, not offence.

Practical tip

Save a short phrase list on your phone, or point at a translated menu or sign rather than attempting a full sentence when unsure. A smile, the wai (see our guide to Thai customs and etiquette) and a simple "khob khun khrap/khâ" go further than most visitors expect.

The wai: Thailand's traditional greeting

The wai is a gesture of respect made by pressing the palms together in front of the chest or face, with a slight bow of the head. As a general rule, the higher the hands and the deeper the bow, the greater the respect being shown — a wai to a monk, an elder or someone senior is held higher and longer than a casual greeting between friends.

You do not need to wai everyone. It is not expected toward children, waitstaff or cashiers — a smile and a polite "khob khun" are enough in these everyday interactions. As a foreign visitor, you are not obliged to initiate a wai at all; it is polite to return one if someone wais you first.

Temple dress code

Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women when entering a Buddhist temple, and shoes must be removed before entering any sacred building. Hats and sunglasses should also be removed indoors. Some of the most important temples — Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in particular — enforce this strictly and can refuse entry to visitors who are not dressed appropriately. Carry a light scarf or sarong in your bag as backup cover-up if you might visit a temple later in the day.

Etiquette around monks

• Never point your finger or your feet at a monk, a Buddha statue or another person — feet are considered the lowest and least respectful part of the body.
• Do not sit at a higher physical level than a monk if you can avoid it.
• Women must not touch a monk or hand him an object directly; if a woman needs to give something to a monk, it is placed down for him to pick up, passed through a male intermediary, or placed on a cloth the monk holds out.

Why this matters

None of this is about rigid rule-following — it reflects genuine social values (respect for age, religious status and hierarchy) that shape everyday interactions well beyond temples. Visitors who show basic awareness of these customs are consistently treated with more warmth.

Vaping and e-cigarettes: illegal, not a grey area

Importing, possessing, using or selling e-cigarettes and vaping devices has been illegal in Thailand since 2014. This is not loosely enforced everywhere: reported fines range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of baht depending on the circumstances, and enforcement has visibly tightened in 2025–2026, with importation carrying a real risk of criminal prosecution. There is no tourist exception — leave vaping devices at home.

Criticising the monarchy is a serious criminal offence

Thailand's lèse-majesté law (Section 112 of the Criminal Code) makes it a criminal offence to defame, insult or threaten the King, Queen, heir-apparent or regent, in speech or online. Penalties are severe — up to 15 years per offence — and the law is actively enforced, including against foreign visitors. The safest approach is simple: avoid any commentary on the Thai monarchy, in person or on social media, during your stay.

Cannabis and drugs: verify before you travel

Thailand's cannabis regulations have changed more than once in recent years and remain a genuinely moving target. Do not rely on outdated articles or word of mouth. Whatever the current cannabis status, all other recreational drugs remain strictly illegal with severe penalties, including for possession of small amounts. If in doubt, treat any drug as illegal and check the current official position before travelling.

Tobacco

Smoking is legal but restricted: many public places require smoking in designated zones only, and several provinces ban smoking on specific public beaches. Fines apply for smoking outside permitted areas.

Sex toys and "obscene objects"

The sale, promotion and possession of items classified as obscene are prohibited under Section 287 of the Thai Criminal Code, with penalties that can include prison time or a fine — though real-world enforcement is inconsistent. It is safest not to pack or purchase such items during your trip.

Rules change — always double-check

Every rule above can change, and enforcement intensity varies by period and location. Before travelling, check your embassy's Thailand travel advice and, for anything time-sensitive, an official Thai government source.

On the BTS and MRT (Bangkok's skytrain and metro)

Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the carriages. Priority seating is reserved for monks, elderly passengers, pregnant women and people with disabilities — give up your seat without being asked if you see someone who needs it.

Visiting a Thai home

Always remove your shoes before entering a Thai home, even if your host says it is not necessary — offering to remove them is the polite default and is rarely refused.

The taboo around the head

Avoid touching someone's head, including a child's — in Thai culture the head is considered the highest and most respected part of the body, and touching it, even affectionately, can make people uncomfortable.

Feet: the opposite end of the same idea

Because the head is the most respected part of the body, feet are considered the least respectful — avoid pointing your feet at people, religious objects or images of the King, and don't use your foot to point at or move something.

Keeping your composure in public

Raising your voice, showing visible anger or making a scene in public is very poorly received in Thailand and can escalate a minor problem rather than resolve it. The concept of "saving face" — not embarrassing yourself or others publicly — is socially important; a calm, smiling approach gets better results in almost every situation, including complaints and disputes.

Public affection

Thai culture is generally more reserved about public displays of affection than many Western countries. Holding hands is fine; more visible affection is best kept private, particularly outside major tourist areas.

Opening hours

7-Eleven: open almost everywhere, almost all the time

The vast majority of Thailand's thousands of 7-Eleven stores are open 24/7 (the name refers to the chain's historical hours, 7am-11pm, long superseded at most locations today). Alcohol sales, however, are restricted by law to specific time windows — generally 11am-2pm and 5pm-midnight — and alcohol shelves are physically covered outside those hours, regardless of the store's own opening hours.

Lawson 108 and other chains

Thailand's other major convenience-store chain runs on a similar model, with most urban branches also open 24/7. The same alcohol-sale rules apply. Newer chains (CJ More, Tops Daily) generally follow the same extended hours in urban areas.

Small neighbourhood shops

Family-run shops and neighbourhood markets have much more variable hours — typically opening early morning and closing between 8pm and 9pm, with no fixed standard. Many close one day a week or run reduced hours during major holidays (see below).

Shopping malls

Shopping malls typically open around 10am and close between 9pm and 10pm, seven days a week, with some flagship stores or restaurants inside large complexes keeping later hours.

What changes on public holidays

Government offices, banks and many businesses close on official public holidays, but convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Lawson stay open almost without exception. Two important exceptions to know: on major Buddhist holy days (Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha and the first day of Buddhist Lent), alcohol sales are banned nationwide, at every retailer, not just restricted to the usual hours; and during Songkran, many small shops run reduced hours or close for several days, while streets in tourist areas get very busy.

The bottom line

For anything urgent outside normal hours, a 7-Eleven or Lawson is almost always your best option — except for alcohol, where the time and the date matter no matter which shop you pick.

Public holidays in Thailand

The Thai calendar mixes fixed-date public holidays (Gregorian calendar) with Buddhist holy days on variable dates, calculated on the lunar calendar and therefore different every year. When an official public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitution day ("วันหยุดชดเชย") is usually granted on the following working day for government offices, banks and many businesses.

1 January — New Year's Day (วันขึ้นปีใหม่)

The first day of the Gregorian calendar. Thailand officially adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1941, under Field Marshal Phibunsongkhram's government, replacing the older traditional new year in April — now celebrated as Songkran — as the official start of the civil year.

Good to know: government offices, banks and many businesses close; convenience stores and malls generally stay open.

February or March (variable date) — Makha Bucha (มาฆบูชา)

Commemorates the day when 1,250 disciples are said to have gathered spontaneously, without any prior summons, to hear a founding sermon from the Buddha. It is one of the four holiest days in the Thai Buddhist calendar, celebrated on the full moon of the third lunar month.

Good to know: alcohol sales are banned nationwide; many worshippers visit temples in the evening for the candlelit procession (เวียนเทียน).

6 April — Chakri Memorial Day (วันจักรี)

Commemorates the founding of the Chakri dynasty, Thailand's current royal family: on 6 April 1782, Rama I ascended the throne, founding the dynasty that still reigns today.

Good to know: an administrative public holiday, with little visible impact for visitors.

13-15 April — Songkran, the Thai New Year (สงกรานต์)

The traditional Thai New Year, famous worldwide for its huge street water fights. It originated as a quieter purification festival: water scented with flowers was respectfully poured over the hands of elders and over Buddha statues to mark renewal. The nationwide street water fights are a more modern evolution of that tradition.

Good to know: expect reduced hours or closures at small shops for several days, and very busy streets in tourist areas. Protect your phone and other electronics if you go out during this period.

1 May — National Labour Day (วันแรงงานแห่งชาติ)

A national public holiday for private-sector employees, introduced in 1974 to honour Thai workers, echoing International Workers' Day.

Good to know: mainly affects the formal private sector; shops and transport run normally.

4 May — Coronation Day (วันฉัตรมงคล)

Commemorates the official coronation of the current king: King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) was formally crowned on 4 May 2019, having ascended the throne in 2016.

Good to know: an administrative public holiday.

May (variable date) — Visakha Bucha (วิสาขบูชา)

The holiest day in the Thai Buddhist calendar: it commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death all at once, three events tradition places on the full moon of the sixth lunar month.

Good to know: alcohol sales are banned nationwide; many candlelit temple processions take place in the evening.

July (variable date) — Asalha Bucha (อาสาฬหบูชา)

Commemorates the Buddha's first sermon after his enlightenment, marking the founding of the Sangha, the Buddhist monastic community — one of the "Three Jewels" of Buddhism.

Good to know: alcohol sales are banned nationwide.

The day after Asalha Bucha (variable date) — Khao Phansa, the start of Buddhist Lent (วันเข้าพรรษา)

Marks the start of the three-month rains retreat, during which monks stay within their temple. Traditionally tied to the rainy season, when monks travelling on foot risked damaging crops; it is also the period when many young Thai men temporarily enter monkhood.

Good to know: alcohol sales are banned nationwide on this day.

28 July — The King's Birthday (วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา)

The birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), born on 28 July 1952, marked as a national public holiday.

Good to know: flags and royal portraits are displayed nationwide.

12 August — The Queen Mother's Birthday and Mother's Day (วันแม่แห่งชาติ)

The birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit, wife of King Bhumibol (Rama IX), born on 12 August 1932. Her birthday was chosen in 1976 as Thailand's national Mother's Day.

Good to know: blue decorations, the colour associated with the Queen Mother, are visible in public spaces.

13 October — Anniversary of King Bhumibol's Passing (วันนวมินทรมหาราช)

Commemorates the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who died on 13 October 2016 after a 70-year reign — the longest in Thai history and one of the most revered.

Good to know: a national day of remembrance; dark clothing is appreciated if you attend an official ceremony.

23 October — Chulalongkorn Day (วันปิยมหาราช)

Commemorates King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who died on 23 October 1910. He is especially celebrated for abolishing slavery in Thailand and modernising the country while preserving its independence from the European colonial powers of the era.

Good to know: official ceremonies take place at the King Rama V Equestrian Monument in Bangkok.

5 December — King Bhumibol's Birthday and Father's Day (วันพ่อแห่งชาติ)

The birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), born on 5 December 1927, marked as Thailand's national Father's Day. Although the king passed away in 2016, this date remains a national public holiday in his memory.

Good to know: yellow decorations — the colour associated with King Bhumibol, who was born on a Monday — are visible nationwide.

10 December — Constitution Day (วันรัฐธรรมนูญ)

Commemorates the promulgation of Thailand's first permanent constitution, on 10 December 1932, following the Siamese revolution that turned the absolute monarchy into a constitutional one.

Good to know: an administrative public holiday.

31 December — New Year's Eve (วันสิ้นปี)

The last day of the civil year.

Good to know: fireworks and celebrations take place in major cities, especially Bangkok.

The bottom line

Banks, government offices and company headquarters close on these official public holidays, but convenience stores and malls generally stay accessible. Pay particular attention to the nationwide alcohol-ban days: Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha and Khao Phansa — four variable dates to check each year against the current official calendar.

Scooter and jet-ski rental: never leave your original passport

Never hand over your original passport as a deposit when renting a scooter or jet-ski — offer a photocopy plus a cash deposit with a signed receipt instead. Photograph or film every angle of the vehicle before you drive off, including any existing scratches or damage: this is your protection against a common trick, especially in Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui, where an operator claims pre-existing damage was caused by you and demands payment on return. Choose rental shops with strong, verifiable online reviews.

Street "miracle" cosmetics

Be sceptical of street vendors selling heavily discounted "miracle" skincare or cosmetic products — quality and safety are not guaranteed.

The gem scam

A stranger — often relayed by a friendly tuk-tuk or taxi driver — claims there is a special, government-backed one-day sale on gemstones or jewellery at a specific shop. There is no such thing: the Thai government and royal family do not own or operate any jewellery business. Walk away from any version of this pitch.

"The temple is closed today"

Touts sometimes tell tourists near a temple that it is closed for the day (a holiday, a private ceremony) and offer to take them somewhere else — usually a commission shop. If a major temple appears closed with no official signage confirming it, check with temple staff directly rather than trusting a stranger outside the gate.

Suspiciously cheap tuk-tuks

An unusually low tuk-tuk fare is often followed by unrequested "quick stops" at shops that pay the driver commission, stretching a short trip into a long, unwanted shopping detour. Agree on price and destination clearly before getting in, or use a metered taxi or ride-hailing app instead.

If something goes wrong: call the Tourist Police

Thailand's Tourist Police operate a dedicated hotline — 1155 — for exactly these situations. It is free, available for visitors, and the right first call if you believe you have been scammed or need help resolving a dispute with a vendor or driver.