·         Don’t touch people with socks or use them for games. 

·         Never step on a coin or paper money.  (it has a picture of the king on it)

·         Never use your feet to move anything, pick up anything, etc.

·         ALWAYS remove shoes when entering Thai homes, a wat, or anywhere you notice a pile of shoes by the door!

·         Do NOT step over anyone, including beggars.  Wait for them to move out of the way.

In formal situations, Thais go by title + first name.

Khun is the Thai equivalent of Mr. or Mrs.

Acharn (Ajarn) is the title for teachers (including missionaries and religious teachers)

Phra is used for monks and deity.

In less formal situations, nicknames are used. The nicknames are generally monosyllabic and easier to remember than first names!

 Smile a lot.  Thais and westerners differ on their reasons for smiling; the later do it only when they are happy, the former do it in almost any situation to express any number of emotions.  Failure to smile perpetually will earn you the reputation of being “fierce” and maybe even “hot-hearted.”

Be careful of other people’s feelings.  Saying negative things directly to a Thai person about him or herself, especially when anyone else is around, will usually be interpreted as an attempt on your part to “break” that person’s face.  The old adage, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” is always applicable.  It is OK to complain about the traffic jams, pollution, and floods in Bangkok, but other criticisms of Thailand and her people are never appreciated.  The Thais are very proud of their country.  Thais avoid direct confrontation; “face breaking” always damages the reputations of all involved. 

Westerners prize self-expression; Thais prize calmness, politeness and respectability.  Loudly and passionately expressing your ideas on any given topic is not likely to do any good, although it might startle or frighten Thais into some sort of maneuver designed to either soften you or get rid of you.  Losing your temper means a loss of face in Thai eyes; “hot-hearted” (tempestuous) people are not well respected in Thailand. Remember that when you are in a foreign country, you are the foreigner.

Misers

Don’t be too much of a penny-pincher where small amounts are concerned.  Making a big deal about what you consider to be an overcharge of 10-20 baht, or complaining about a restaurant charging 15 baht for something that is only 10 baht on the street will only get you the reputation of being “kii-niew”, literally or miserly.  A “hot-hearted” westerner will not be liked by Thais

LOOK ALL DIRECTIONS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET — including one-way streets!!!  Pedestrians DON’T have right of way!

·         Buy insect repellant and WEAR it in areas where there are a lot of mosquitoes.

·         Wear sunscreen if you are outside a lot.

·     Drink a LOT of WATER—BUT ONLY bottled water that has been sealed.  It’s easy to buy anywhere.  In some places you can brush your teeth with tap water, just don’t  swallow!  Only use ice if it is has a hole in the middle—it is generally safe.

·     Eat only fruits/veggies that you know have been cleaned/cooked properly or that you can peel (like bananas, apples, and pineapple).

Food & Water

Thai food has a reputation for being hot and spicy, and while this is true of a number of dishes, Thai cuisine has something to suit everyone’s taste.  Rice, of course, is the main food of the nation.

Water – It is not recommended that you drink the tap water in Thailand.  Thais boil the water for hot tea, which usually makes it safe for drinking.  Bottled water is widely available in carbonated (soda water) and non-carbonated varieties.

Eating on the Street – In 1 Corinthians 10:25, Paul says: it is acceptable to eat anything sold in the market, but remember that Paul did not come from a micro-bacteriological clean environment to an environment such as Thailand.  Many breads, sweets, and pastries, which are sold in the market, are very tasty and should be tried, but do shy away from items sold on the street containing either meat or unrefrigerated milk products like custards, cheeses and creams.

Eating with a Thai Family – Paul said, “Eat what is set before you and don’t ask any

questions.”  (paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 10:27)  Your host knows your concerns

and will not serve you anything that is harmful.  You will also be served far more

than is possible to eat.  Eat, enjoy and expect to stay a while at the table.  At times,

there are seven to ten courses at the main meal.  Don’t expect a varied selection of

Culinary delights.  Realize the same type of food may be served at all three meals

each day.

Personal Security – It is impossible to hide the fact that you are a foreigner.  However, avoid being perceived as a “foolish foreigner” and thus becoming a target.  Thais are “much” quieter in public than Americans, especially in crowds.  Try not to talk loud in public.  It is not advisable to walk alone after dark.  Be careful where you carry your money and documents.  A billfold in the back pocket is an easy target for pickpockets.  However, a money pouch under clothing is a safe way to carry money.  You will see all sorts of people on the street carrying more money than you, but the difference is you do not know they are carrying it. 

Always keep your passports, customs declarations, plane tickets, and money in a safe place.  A safe place does not necessarily mean you carry your documents in your hip packs, backpacks, front pockets or in money pouches as you work and travel, however, these are the safest places.

You may want to put your passport in the safe at the BSC and keep only a copy for yourself. If you go out of the country, it will be available for you.

Medical Concerns:

Virtually all medications are available at any pharmacy without a prescription

Bangkok has excellent medical staffing and hospitals.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not generally valid outside the United States.

Be sure to bring sufficient supply of your regular medications that you take.

Squatty Potties:

Most guesthouses and places you will stay will have western toilets, BUT be prepared to use the infamous SQUATTY POTTY—where you squat over a hole in the ground.  It is also wise to carry small packets of tissues with you—just in case…There is often a small basket for used paper (instead of flushing it).

Bathing:

The Thai people usually bathe at least twice a day and are often amazed that Americans only bathe once a day.  Don’t focus on the number of times you bathe, but do make sure that you look clean and smell fresh in a Thai home—do as they do.