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Known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand is indeed one among the popular destinations in the world for travelers. People from all over the world come to the country to experience its rich history and culture and enjoy all the pleasures it has to offer. However, there are few Things to know before traveling to Thailand So you don’t get into trouble when you’re supposed to be enjoying a well-deserved vacation.
What not to do in Thailand
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, you must know what you can and cannot do in the country. It is a country with traditions that you may not be aware of. Knowing what you can’t and shouldn’t do should save you from an awkward situation in a strange country. Here is a look at Things not to do in Thailand.
1. Don’t touch people’s heads
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when it comes to b Things not to do in Thailand cultureOne of the most important things to remember is not to touch people’s heads. On rare occasions when a traveler is traveling with a child or is in a very close relationship with the other person, one should never attempt to touch or even place anything over the persons heads. In Thailand, the head is considered the most sacred and cleanest part of the body, so when you touch someone’s head, you are basically disrespecting that person. This one tops the list when mentioned What not to do in Thailand.
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2. Don’t use your feet for anything but walking
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It is extremely impolite to point at people, places, or things with your toes or the bottoms of your feet. You should also never face your feet towards temples, Buddha images, or monks. It is a particularly rude and unacceptable act. Kicking, walking on top of something, or slamming a door with your feet will definitely get you disciplined in Thailand.
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3. Don’t touch the monks
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In Thailand, monks are one of the most respected people, which is why it is strictly forbidden to stand on top of them or place them higher. If you are a woman, remember never to touch a monk. Since they are not allowed to touch women, they often do not directly hand anything to them. In the event that they wanted to hand something over, they would put that item on the floor so that the women could pick it up themselves. Also, monks are not supposed to sit next to a woman on local transportation either. If you are a woman, contacting the monks is one of them Things to be careful of in Thailand.
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4. Don’t keep your shoes on all the time
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Putting on your shoes when you enter homes, temples and shops is one of the important things to do Things not to do in Thailand – This rule applies even to some restaurants. This is why you will see people everywhere wearing lightweight sandals. If you see a pile of sandals outside someone’s home, shop, etc., you should take them off, too, before entering inside. Make sure you remember this when someone asks you What not to do in Thailand.
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5. Do not take pictures with captured animals
Tourists are often offered photo ops with illegally purchased wildlife in places such as Pattaya, Phuket, Ao Nang, Ko Samui, and sometimes in Bangkok. Animals such as monkeys and gibbons as well as birds and snakes (some wild animals are endangered species) are captured from the wild and captured for the sole purpose of making money for their “owners”. Because wild animals can be so dangerous, animals taken for photographs with tourists are often heavily sedated and also have their teeth and claws removed. Help put an end to this cruel practice and refuse to take pictures of wildlife, no matter how cool you think they are.
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6. Don’t get involved in illegal drugs
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Like any other popular tourist destination around the world, Thailand has a seedy side where a lot of illegal activities take place. Because of its vibrant nightlife, Things are illegal in Thailand In abundance and if you are out at night in a club or pub, you will likely be offered illegal drugs. Needless to say, getting involved in such material should be avoided at all costs. Getting caught with even a tiny amount of an illegal drug can get you into big trouble, and you don’t want that at all.
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7. Do not exceed the duration of the visa
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One of the most obvious Things to know before visiting Thailand Do not exceed the duration of the visa. If you do this, you will need to pay a fine of 500 THB per day. The maximum fine for overstaying is 20,000 baht, and if you don’t pay, you could end up in jail. In addition, Thai immigration will mark and note your passport. Your passport may be marked as “undesirable alien” due to repeated violations of thrice overstaying. Being classified as an “undesirable alien” will make it difficult for you to travel internationally and may also be banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 5 to 10 years. Obviously, this is one of the main ones Things not to do in Thailand.
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There are many things to consider before traveling to Thailand so that you can enjoy every day of your stay there. Once you are done with the planning, you can get ready for an unforgettable vacation in Thailand which is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world!
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Frequently asked questions about things not to do in Thailand
Can you travel abroad during Covid-19? As the travel industry is slowly opening up, yes you can travel abroad during Covid-19. But make sure you follow the specific guidelines and Covid precautionary measures. Also, remember to read the latest updates on Covid before making any travel plans. Is Thailand dangerous for tourists? Thailand is quite a safe country to visit but it is good to be careful when you are in a foreign land especially when it comes to dealings with strangers. How safe is Thailand for female tourists? Thailand is a country that is considered quite safe for a traveler, especially women. Violent crime on travelers is a rare sight in the country, but people should be aware of theft. How much money is needed per day in Thailand? If someone is planning to have a clean and comfortable accommodation in Thailand, then one must spend around 1000 THB per day. This is the estimated amount required to survive in Thailand. Is it permissible to wear shorts in Thailand? Thailand has a hot and humid climate and one can easily wear shorts and skirts to beat the humidity and roam freely in the streets. What is the best currency to take in Thailand? The Thai Baht is the official currency used in Thailand and is the best currency to carry around. But for Indian travelers, it is better to convert INR in US dollars. This will be a cheaper option. Is the water safe to drink in Thailand? It is advised not to drink tap water in Thailand and stick to boiled or treated water. There is an extensive network of ice plants that use purified water. This is one of the things not to do in Thailand. What should one not eat in Thailand? There are a few dishes that one should not eat in Thailand which include Luu Moo, Larb Leuat Neua, Shark Fin soup, Scorpion, Yum Khai Maeng Da and Tap water.
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