Author : Wan, GROUND Thailand | Tag : Before Your Trip, Thailand, For Students

Sawasdee kha everyone! From the beaches in the south to the hills of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, we believe each journey to Thailand is an adventure. Each region displays its own colorful traditions and unique styles that leave a deep and lasting impression. Whether you’re traveling to Thailand on a school or university program to be immersed in local Thai culture, engage with a rural local community or working on an active service-learning project, here are 10 things you should know from our point of view.

1. Language
   We have our own language known as ‘Thai’. We also have our own alphabet and uses five tones; so if you speak on word using a different tone, it will have a  different meaning.
   
2. Greetings
   Instead of shaking hands or kissing to say hello, while in Thailand, place your hands in the prayer-like position and pull them towards your chest, bowing your head slightly. This is called a ‘wai’. We also do “ Wai” when we say Thank you and sorry as well.
3. Thai Culture
   A person’s head is the most sacred part of the body so please do not touch Thai people on the head as it is a sign of disrespect. Likewise, there is important etiquette about the feet, which is considered the most unclean part of the body. Always remember not to sit with your feet pointing at someone, especially at a Buddha image, as this is also very rude and disrespectful and always remove shoes when entering temples or Thai houses
4. Royal Family
   The King and the Royal Family are extremely important to Thai people. We kindly ask you to respect the King and the Royal Family and do not make negative comments about them.
   
5. Thai Names
   We have a first name and a family, but we also have a short nickname for friends and family to call us y. For example my name is Patcharaporn, my family name is Chiamuangraj and Wan is my nickname. We use our nickname to make it easier.

6. Temple Traditions
   When you go to temple, it is important to cover your knees and shoulders because a temple is the sacred place. If you see or walk past a monk, it is customary for women to give a little distance and not stay too close because monks can not stay close to women.   

7. Eating Customs
   We will use a spoon and fork while eating but sometimes we will use chopsticks when we eat noodle. A long time ago, we used our hands when we eating, now we still use our hands but only for certain foods like sticky rice.
   

8. Transportation
   Apart from the famous Tuk Tuks in Thailand, we use various modes of transportation including busses, boats, the BTS, the MRT and Grabtaxi. While on o GROUND Asia school program or university placement, we will arrange all of the transportation for you.

9. Food
   We have different kinds of food in each region of Thailand, like in the north the most famous dish is Khao Soi but if you go to the south the food will be more spicy such as Khao Yam and spicy curry. The street food in Bangkok is also a must try; you’ll be sure to taste things you’ll have never tried before.

10. Tipping
    Tipping is not necessary every time you eat at a restaurant, but if you feel happy with the service you received you can tip the staff to show them that you are satisfied.