Travel
Everyday etiquette in Thailand: public transport, homes and public behaviour
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
Written by Ricardo Dos Santos
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.
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.