🇹🇭 10 Unspoken Rules of Bangkok (Every Foreigner Should Know before Arriving in Thailand)

[@apichaipunnahitananda8408]

The meaning of 'Wai' is 'I respect you', either respect elderly (experiences) or respect your quality (fame, skills, good heart, etc). And another circumstance to 'Wai' is to thank someone who did helping you something. It will be useful that you know the meaning behind gestures. You can better apply it in real situations.

[@somluck2813]

I cringe every time I see a foreigner wai a bar girl, even more so because the bar girls rarely, if ever, wai foreigners.

[@Nebula37]

That's a bit of a stretch. You don't wai everyone who has helped you. It's much more about status than about helping anyone.

[@PhilipMR223]

What the vid didn't mention was age. Generally I will wai someone obviously older than me as a mark of respect (yes "respect your elders" is still a thing) when meeting them and follow my wife's prompt in other social and business situations. Her being a few months older than me is helpful.

[@หลานย่าโม..ว้ายๆ]

​​@@somluck2813ผู้หญิงที่ทำงานบาร์ส่วนใหญ่ไม่ค่อยมีคนไทยแล้วไทยแล้วเดี๋ยวนี้คนไทยทำงานแบบนี้แทบจะไม่ถึงแทบจะไม่มีแล้วเพราะว่าอัตราการเกิดของประเทศไทยหลายปีอัตราการเกิดต่ำมากข้าจะไปถามเขมรลาวพม่าถ้าผ่านเขาก็บอกว่าเป็นคนไทยเขาบอกว่าเป็นคนไทยแต่ในความเป็นจริงแล้วคนไทยแทบจะไม่มีแล้วนะ

[@clivebaxter6354]

You wai first up, not down for any reason

[@ChrisBird1]

After 16 years here ,all of these on the list resonated powerfully with me .

[@Davidwilliams-lk7hb]

After being there for the last 20 years a lot of what you say is false

[@keshiki27]

1. True. We have traffic laws but practically pedestrians should always look before crossing. 2. True. 3. It's not that haggling more than 10-15% is not a good etiquette, but we don't use the expression "Best Price" (ราคาดีที่สุด). Asking that, even in Thai, would not sound like you're haggling at all. 4. True 5-6. Shouldn't these be *universal rule* ?? Still, it's not unusual to find Thais who do these. 7. Totally Agree 8. Normally you don't need to "wai" someone who's not in a position that should receive it (e.g. waiters, janitors, bellhops, those who are much younger than you etc.). However, there's nothing wrong if you insist on doing it. They may (or may not) get a little comfortable, but definitely not to the point of causing people to quit companies (sorry but I don't believe that story😂). 9. This is complicated, but mostly true. There are sayings "We would rather lose money or get hurt than to lose face!" 10. Even if it's for good reasons, hearing a honk annoys me. I guess it's in our blood. P.S. I'm a native Thai.

[@StuartJayRaj]

เรื่องแม่บ้านเป็นเรื่องจริงครับเนื่องจากว่าเจ้าของบริษัทซึ่งเป็นฝรั่งแก่ๆทับแม่บ้านคนเดียวจากแม่บ้าน 6 คนทุกวันเราก็ไหว้แม่บ้านคนนั้นเช้าเย็นทุกวันจนแม่บ้านคนอื่นเริ่มเอะใจว่าเฮ้ยทำไมถึงมีการทักทายแบบพิเศษจากเจ้านาย นินทากันทั้งออฟฟิศจนอยู่ไม่ไหว

[@bookerandavril]

what do you mean by "someone who's not in a position that 'should' receive it" ???????? I have no problem Wai-ing the waiters or people who give me the Wai first as a reciprocal Wai and there is a subtle way to do it like u don't have to put ur hands really high up but just a subtle gesture of putting ur hand together and bowing ur head a little bit will do. whether they are waiters, janitors, bellhops or WHATEVER, it does not mean that they don't deserve a Wai.

[@keshiki27]

@StuartJayRaj Alright, with more context I'm convinced, thanks. @@bookerandavril I mean "someone who you're generally *not required* to wai". NOT "someone who doesn't deserve it". My bad if I didn't phrase it well.

[@somluck2813]

​@@bookerandavrilIt is not about 'deserve'. It is not even about respect. It about acknowledgement of position. It is similar to standing when a lady enters the room, a judge enters a court, soldiers saluting higher ranks etc.

[@MaiZora]

Native Thai here. I Wai people who did any sorts of service for me e.g waiters/waitress or cashiers all the time. But not everybody of course.

[@AnonChiranukulpipat]

A Serious Warning: Never provoke a Thai person’s anger. Unlike in some cultures where arguments end with words, things might escalate differently in Thailand. Thai people are known for their warm smiles and forgiving nature, but if you push their patience to the breaking point, the outcome can be unpredictable. In Thai culture, respect (“kreng jai”) and saving face in public are deeply valued. Crossing this fine line, especially in a public setting, can be a serious misstep. Thai people often say “jai yen” (stay calm) as a way to suppress their emotions, but beneath that calm exterior lies a strength you shouldn’t underestimate. While not everyone in Thailand is trained in Muay Thai, the fighting spirit is ingrained in their nature. More concerning, though, are the spontaneous decisions in the heat of conflict-improvised weapons like knives or even objects from the environment could come into play. In real-life confrontations, unlike movies, there’s no dramatic music as a warning. The scariest moment is the silence before an action so decisive, there’s no time for response. Respect the culture, and you’ll find Thai people to be some of the kindest and most forgiving individuals. But tread carefully if you challenge their boundaries. 😂😂😂

[@VidNibs]

“Not everyone in Thailand is trained in Muay Thai” - What a load of nonsense. I can promise you that 99.99% of Thais don’t know any form of martial arts.

[@IntasarnW]

I'm both a pedestrian and a driver. If there were few cars behind me, I would stop my car every time to let pedestrians cross the crosswalk. As a pedestrian, I would never expect to stop the traffic flow of several hundred people in cars just to let a single person cross. I would wait for a safe space and distance to cross.

[@sazji]

hehe…My uncle was a serviceman in the a Korean War, and spent time in Japan as well. He had a really loud nose-blow and once he blew his nose, a screaming honk, on a bus in Japan. The other passengers applauded. :-)

[@chuckiejoy]

Thais and Filipinos are very much alike. As a Filipina, these don’t only apply to Thailand but I think most of Southeast Asia. So if you plan to do a side trip to the Philippines, please keep these reminders with you,too. 😊

[@bozosa]

This is so useful for Thais as well as foreigners. I also think that staying humble and enjoying the city are the best strategy to live peacefully in Bangkok. Pushing other people to the limit like the vdo said or showing off your power may look cool and doable in your country but I really think it’s not worth it at all in Bangkok. You just can’t read the Thai people card. Some may have weapons or really prepare to jump to the fight. Some may have connections. That may twist your stay in Thailand.

[@Lee_Steel]

Very informative and thought provoking video, being my second time heading to thailand 1 month before and now for 3. This really helped with a better foundation of the culture.

[@AndyPat239]

i learnt how to cross the roads in Kung Thep. A wai helps. Let the traffic go and when there is a moment step out confidently but without hurry and they will generally slow down but not stop. A smile and an another Wai 🙏

[@lastpreacher9093]

Thank you. Very useful information.

[@sweatycrabthailand4262]

the traffic thing is super helpful, i had no idea. in my original country we stand on our right and curse out anyone that would dare to drive on a red light etc, i will never do that in bangkok now lol, thing makes a lot more sense now after i learnt this

[@somluck2813]

I had culture shock when I first came to Thailand from Australia. I didn't realise that what seemed like all the bogans on planet visited Thailand. Things that foreigners in Thailand did included, touched children that they didn't know, crossed the road without looking and not 'negotiating' with car drivers, walked around in public without shirts, turned up Government agencies eg Immigration dressed for the beach, shouted at people, waved their hands around, put their feet up on furniture eg tables, sat with the soles of feet pointing at people, caused people to loose face in public etc I was in a 5 star hotel on the river adjacent to the BTS Saphan Taksin station in Bangkok and a foreigner had their feet on the table in the foyer. People had to eat off the table eg coffee, cake etc. I really don't know what say, it seems that manners, etiquette and polite behavior is something that is no longer valued and applicable outside Thailand (except Japan).

[@caramel-ice-capp]

all of these just make sense. recently I went to bangkok for three weeks and I subconsciously adapted to the crossing road "rule" after only three days.

[@FrazerHatyai]

Great Video Stu, Thanks! Ill send this to friends before they visit me!

[@neilspencer6020]

On the whole I found riding a motorcycle easier in Thailand than my home country. Thai’s are more alert and on to it. I found the wai very useful, signifying that I see you and let you go first. I can’t wait to retire there ❤

[@OwlSpinning]

Great video! I learned something new despite having lived in Bangkok for over a year. Thanks!

[@grahamreid2132]

I havent been in Thailand in many years after living there for many years. The 10 rules are completely accurate, but I recall the Thais do something we in the west find appalling or repellent......publicly picking their nose. And they will grow their pinky finger to a longer, sharper point for better and deeper excavation of the nasal passage. Not a bad idea really, just never wanted to see it. Nope, I never got used to public nose picking.

[@adamhend3211]

Great advice thanks mate.

[@kasida19]

Omg i love these! They are so true. And on the side note, vehicles normally take priority on the street, to the extent that some pedestrians would slightly bow or nod as a sign of thanks to drivers while crossing the street 😂

[@redchen3682]

Super thankful for the fact that pedestrian don't have the right of way. I'm currently in Thailand right now and noticed that even if a pedestrian is already in the pedestrian crossing, you can clearly see that vehicles are not slowing down. But in my experience taking Grab bike in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, all the Grab drivers slow down and allow a pedestrian to cross. That has always impressed me. But I also wondered what really is the general mentality regarding traffic laws. So this advice is very practical since I value my life. 💀

[@sweatycrabthailand4262]

learnt a lot here, thanks

[@SupitchaN]

as a native thai, i cannot stand people who do 2. i think its incredibly gross, disgusting and unhygenic to everyone around them. good video!

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Great summary. You got a new subscriber

[@StuartJayRaj]

🙏🏻

[@winterbalm]

I grew up in Russia 1. Dangerous road traffic and not enough overhead crossings or crossings with traffic lights is one of the main downsides of Thailand for me, but downtown Bangkok is relatively OK, there are skywalks, BTS stations etc. 2. Couldn't care less either way about barechested people 3. I hate haggling, I think every price should be fair and final, just don't make me engage in any dialogue 4. I was spared from brickflicks so far 5. Keeping the noise down should be a universal rule, one of the reasons I love Japan 6. Worse than blowing into a handkerchief is when people just spit on the ground. Unfortunately very common where I come from 7. I never had any need to put my feet up. Is it that comfortable? 8. Never once wai-ed anyone during my more than 10 visits to Thailand. I just say 'Thank you' 9. Trying to save another person's face should be a universal rule. Unfortunately in Russia nobody cares for saved faces. It is even customary that when you feel wronged you have to call out the person responsible, perhaps make a big scene, especially at supermarkets, restaurants, taxis, planes etc. And it also caused some nasty incidents that made the news 10. No horns is a very good rule. I hate when drivers honk their horns to greet somebody or because the traffic is slower than they want. In Central Asia in a traffic jam everyone just honks their horn. Why? It will not make the traffic jam disappers. Traffic rules say that you should only honk to avoid an accident

[@zephnorrish]

Awesome video Stuart! Thank you. I think we should campaign TAT and THAI to make this watch mandatory before entry to the Kingdom! 😄

[@wkrp01]

14:48 So what if I paid for something, some product or service, and didn't get what was agreed to. I guess this means I shouldn't complain?

[@chantirabeverley2964]

Thank you for good information ❤

[@tanztierchen]

For tourists I can recommend a bicycle tour in Bangkok. You will drive where there are almost no cars at all.

[@asiaexpat62]

Not sure what part of Bangkok these issues apply to but having over 50 years of Thailand experience including having a large Thai family I cannot agree with some of these issues. Feet issues yes; blowing nose yes; loud noise no (try sitting in AIS Serenade room without noise) and wai, Thais do it a lot. Historically, Thais did not argue in public, but this has changed, just go to any Talad and one will see.

[@StuartJayRaj]

Even lately I have seen arguments in public places end up badly. General rule is better to avoid public arguments... especially if you're not Thai.

[@adamnyback]

The difficult thing is to know when to wai back. It depends on the situation. When a kid (for instance my girlfriend's relative) wai at me for the first time we meet it would be rude to not wai back. When I pay at 7 Eleven and the cashier ends with a wai it looks silly to wai back.

[@Axiomatic75]

From what I've observed, it's ok (but not necessarily expected either) to wai back at a kid.

[@philipgerrans8152]

Hi Stuart. cycling is ok out here in the burbs at Phuttamonthon/Salaya. but you have to stay away from the main roads and highways or yes, you will get killed!

[@StuartJayRaj]

yeah ... out in the burbs or in gated neighbourhoods okay... but not downtown Sukhumvit 😁

[@nickbangkok3365]

I queried the point of even having pedestrian crossings here years ago and a Thai told me "your family will get more money if you are killed on a pedestrian crossing" rather than just crossing somewhere randomly..

[@Geobird-q6b]

I am curious, why are you choosing to teach Korean along with Thai and Chinese in your Mindkraft program for the kids? I love the Korean language and I am actively studying it and I am wondering why you chose it specifically in your course.

[@StuartJayRaj]

purely from understanding fundamentals of 1. articulation, 2. using an abugida, 3. getting core strokes that can then transpose across to kanji brush strokes

[@andrewdunbar828]

@@StuartJayRaj Hangul is an abugida? I can read Korean more easily than Thai and I always think of Korean as its own thing or as an alphabet with its own quirks. I think Koreans consider it an alphabet and teach it as an alphabet.

[@CaptainKremmen]

1. a) While I agree that you have to be very careful, things have improved a lot recently. After Dr Waralak was mowed down by a motorbike on a pedestrian crossing outside her hospital in 2022, many crossings were repainted and cars are much more likely to stop now. (Also, the killer was ordered to pay 27M baht in damages and the Appeals court this year increased his jail sentence to 10 years.) b) Some crossings now have red flags in a pouch on a pole on each side, so you can grab a red flag and wave it at the traffic when you are crossing the road. c) I've also noticed that if I step out into the road at a big crossing (when the nearest vehicle is still far enough away that I can avoid being hit even if it doesn't stop), I might have a dozen Thais follow my lead! At that point, the cars have to stop for the sea of pedestrians. 9. The hardest thing is how to deal with someone who is ripping you off. If someone, for example, overcharges you, they are going to lose face when you point it out. It's intrinsically embarrassing to have your criminal behaviour exposed, but the choice is to let them get away with it. 10. I've noticed one exception. Buses. I've heard them honk other drivers quite a bit. I'm not sure if they are just claiming special privilege because they are bigger, or if the thinking is that they have passengers on board and that makes them more important than the idiot they are honking losing face.

[@augustjohnnycrashed]

I live in Pattaya no rules on the road, very dangerous. I will however WAI. a cop if I’m pulled over😅😅😅😅

[@michaeljcarneyjr.6187]

As a 47 year resident expat using a handkerchief is common as long as it's used to pat your perspiration. L earning when to Wai is a cultural thing that one learns living in Thailand.

[@roogee]

Bricflicked😂, I've always looked at loose bricks and all the raised thresholds as drunk traps and have kept an eye out for them 😅. The fee times I have been flicked were during sogkran, so maybe a little less festered. 😊

[@limonade2684]

When I am treated badly, I just leave. Usually I pay the hotel and sometimes food in advance or I leave the money on the table If possible, I leave the food untouched und the room as well. I hope, this will be a clear message without saying anything. On crossing the road I follow the slowest person and stay in their shadow 😆 so the crash will be buffered for me.

[@calky360]

Is it okay to politely say "lot noii dai mai" ?

[@StuartJayRaj]

that's fine done politely.. but best I think is to know the price and make an offer to show you're respecting what you know the price is and giving them space for a bit of profit. Always good to do in a fun spirit too

[@limonade2684]

​@@StuartJayRajSome cultures are offended, if I don't try to bargain. They enjoy bargaining and I dislike it a lot. I don't see the point to bargain about one dollar more or less. I don't mind paying a higher fee or more for a service. My limit is when I suspect that I am being ripped.

[@volkerwinkler3280]

Great video! Being. a fan since many years and even have a copy your book!! So here comes my question: While watching the video and you talking about the wai, Is there an alternative for a wai? I mean what do people do, if they are physically not able to wai? For example, broken arms or being severely disabled. is it acceptable to nod the head or close the eyes? Do you have any idea or recommendation about what to do?

[@StuartJayRaj]

If you have broken arms, or your arms are full, even a gesture to doing a wai is acceptable - intent is the main thing here. IF however you went out of your way to put things down and then wai'd, you'd get extra cred in whoever's books you were wai'ing.

[@apichaipunnahitananda8408]

Nod is fine, do not wink. The meaning of 'Wai' is 'I respect you', either respect elderly (experiences) or respect your quality (fame, skills, good heart, etc). And another circumstance to 'Wai' is to thank someone who did helping you something.

[@etvi1]

You can bow or I often wai with one hand.

[@senianns9522]

@@etvi1 I sometimes do that! To actually 'acknowledge the person' politely is enough here!

[@edrovfazzcarz1355]

Married 17 years, 2 kids to my Thai wife, still respect the anger levels, you have to know the rules and play by them. 😂

[@tomvillarreal7798]

I’m interested in your description of the many types of Thai smiles. Could you please point out where we can find out more about Thai smiles types. I’m married to a Thai, been student of Thai for 3 years and interested in the language.

[@wellagrey]

thanks a million

[@hanumanatee]

This has happened quite a few times: Thai parents will encourage their kids, especially very young ones, to wai adults around, including Uncle (me). Other adult Thais will wai back playfully, like 'how lovely'. I always go along, but feel a bit awkward knowing the rules as you laid-out. Any thoughts? Good video, thanks!

[@StuartJayRaj]

When you're with kids, it's a usual thing to coach them when they meet people to say หวัดดีรึยัง ? - 'Have you sawatdee'd yet?' - and then often, you will do the behaviour you want them to mimmic - so here it's fine when teaching the kids. In general though - say i go to a school and the kids wai me, i would รับไหว้ 'receive the wai' with a nod and smile and maybe say 'khrap' or sawatdee back with a gesture. Llike i mentioned in the clip though - Wai'ing is an art - especially when and when not to.

[@vassanab4243]

⁠​⁠Actually when someone (who are normally younger than you) wai you, you suppose to rub wai รับไหว้ which is basically wai but the hands are at around the chest with little nodding, this is what I was taught in the school since I was young. You suppose to wai a person who are older than you and they should rub wai you. ( there are 3 level of wai which I won’t mention here because it gonna be too long) Wai is a formal thing the same as shake hand in the west, people who don’t know each other don’t wai the same as you don’t randomly shake hand to some stranger on the street. But now the companies make service staffs, receptionists, waiters, cashier staffs etc. wai the customers, to promote Thai culture to foreign tourists? Which I find it’s weird and it’s kinda awkward, imagine the older staff have to wai to younger costumers which is so wrong because the older shouldn’t wai the younger person first except they are the boss or have higher rank/position or that wai is for saying thank you, not for the greeting. Anyway after many years people come to the conclusion that we don’t wai back to any service staffs.

[@hanumanatee]

@@vassanab4243 Thank you so much for your detailed reply. Along with Stuart Jay Raj's reply I now have a better understanding of how to handle that situation. I have always used the รับไหว้ technique when in the situation described (not the same as when encountering free-range kiddos), so I appreciate knowing that I am not entirely wrong about it. Similar to when I go to Foodland and the checkout clerk wais to me while I'm in the middle of unloading groceries, I give a half-wai or just a nod and smile. We learn to copy what people around us are doing, but that is not always the most appropriate response. Learning continues...

[@khunhorm]

Except for no.6, I agree with you.

[@FrazerHatyai]

I agree with 6, My wife hates when foreigners blow their nose in public

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

No. 11 Never ever interfere in an dispute among Thais or Thai couples as it often leads to loosing face "Siia Naa". We are just guests, not our cup of tea

[@andrewdunbar828]

This seems to apply in Japan and Taiwan as well. At least with couples in cities.

[@andrewdunbar828]

It would be interesting to learn about some of the differences between Southeast/East Asian cultures for those of us who travel around crossing borders etc. Many of things apply across most Asian countries I've spent time in with mainland China being the exception to most of them and using the car horn being the exception in Vietnam, where it's used continuously at least by truck drivers. Many other differences are subtle and you don't notice them straight away. (South Asia is a totally different world though.)

[@saultrejo6563]

Some foreigners put their hand up like they’re a Jedi master lol (when crossing a road).

[@blureader1164]

I think most of these tips are common courtesy, but will help people remember what not to do. I can't stand seeing men not wearing shirts and I live in a hot climate too. Women wearing bikinis is worse though. I've seen plenty of Thai men blow their nose in public, so that may be a situational thing. I do not wai anyone because I don't do things that I do not understand. I'm not a Buddhist and I know that you have to raise your palms higher depending on who the wai is for. I just greet verbally and it has been working out.

[@limonade2684]

I don't wai, because I look western and I feel akward doing this. Sometimes I put my hand below my throat, smile and nod.

[@liamburns8554]

Strange one on the phone being loud. Living in Bkk I see Thai’s doing this more than I seen in the UK, where I am from.

[@StuartJayRaj]

bangkokians or PPL from up country?

[@somluck2813]

I have seen seen maybe once or twice in 15 years travelling on the BTS once or twice a week.

[@ggmen6998]

เห็นน้อยมากนะ ที่คนไทยจะทำ มีเขม่นมองหน้ากันบ้างละ ถ้าทํา 😂😂😂 เปรียบเทียบกับ UK ขโมยโทรศัพท์กันหน้าตาเฉย กลางถนน ไม่ต่อคิวขึ้นรถไฟฟ้าใต้ดิน แย่งกันขึ้น มีอันธพาลแย่งที่นั่งคนแก่ เห็นกันประจํา อย่าบอกว่าไม่เคยเห็นนะ คน UK 😂😂😂

[@Tommywanaka]

Super useful advice! I didn't know about the wat. I've been watt-ing everyone like a twat.

[@Nebula37]

Yeah, don't wai people unless they're older than you, your boss, or a government official, etc.

[@WilsonWilson33]

You didn't need to do an accent for me to know that "Give me your best price," is an Indian thing. I used to sell via classified ads in the UK and those were the first words out of the mouth of every Indian that called.

[@etvi1]

Reminds me of an incident that I witnessed in the former Pantip plaza where an indian customer was kicked out by the thai shop owner who was fed-up with endless bargaining...

[@andrewdunbar828]

It's very much an Israeli thing too. I learned how to haggle like a local in Mexico but haggling in Asia is different and I never learned how to do it properly. But I'm usually not in tourist areas so it doesn't matter. But at home in Australia we rarely do it so when I was working in hospitality in Australia I was surprised when Israeli tourists often asked for a discount. Then again you can sometimes get a discount at accommodation if you ask, if you arrive late and pay directly rather than through an app, or if you stay more than a day and don't want your room serviced before you leave. Haggling seems to be something to learn about in each country, a bit like tipping maybe.

[@eliodecarolis7480]

I told a farang friend not to wai the waitress explaining why, but he replied that, although he knew that the Thai didn't do that, he will continue to do so because it is right to do so. Read: I am civilised and I treat "inferior" people with all the courtesy they deserve. It's like saying: I teach you the education. Isn't it the most rude (and I would say colonialist) thing to do?

[@StuartJayRaj]

yeah. .. it's that attitude that led me to include it in this clip. it doesn't mean don't respect or don't wai anyone... it just means that IF you really want to be respectful, then spend time learning the protocols and emulate them too. Not mandatory, but would be appreciated

[@francischiew7080]

rest i can ignore but the hooking part is a must especially with disregard of the law motorcyclists which drive in all directions or swerving in & out of traffic especially on busy road - the point here is if you don't honk at them its either an accident or death on the road which i rather avoid than not honk - example a motorcyclist cutting into your path which he not supposed to yet driving on without care expecting his oncoming traffic to give away which is what see daily on roads down here & accidents is a norm so don't honk?

[@davidworley276]

No honking. Interesting. Back in the 60's and 70's Bangkok was known for all its honking. As soon as a light turned green you could guarantee cars in the back of the line laying on the horn. Usually the taxis. Fast forward some 40 years and I immediately noticed the lack of honking when I returned. Wonder when and how that all changed?

[@สุรสิทธิ์สัมฤทธิ์-ญ2ถ]

ภูกทุกข้อ โดยเฉพาะการถอดเสื้อเดินกลางเมือง ถ้าเป็นคนไทยเดินถอดเสื้อกลางเมืองจะถูกมองว่า กำลังทำตัวเป็นนักเลงอันธพาล ท้าทายนักเลงเจ้าถิ่น อาจจะกลายเป็นปุ๋ยได้ในทันที

[@Quapadople]

Good educational video for the foreigners that lack common sense/finesse. Thanks Stuart 👊

[@StuartJayRaj]

Thank you!

[@augustjohnnycrashed]

I lived at Hyde across the street from Trendy in 2019 when Trendy when murder went down.

[@TheRealFamespear]

That makes no sense. Want to try again? 🥴

[@andrewdunbar828]

I never felt comfortable doing the wai here so I hardly ever do it and sometimes worry I should be doing it sometimes. But my American friend now living up in Vientiane does it all the time to everybody and that also makes me uncomfortable. In Laos they use the "nop" a lot less than Thais use the wai. I wonder what the cultural differences are. In Cambodia the "sompiah" is much rarer again.

[@Kwippy]

You forgot to mention PDA. Holding hands with your lover is about the limit, anything beyond that will attract disapproving looks, swapping spit will elicit disgust. Thais are actually quite prudish, despite the country's reputation as a sex destination.

[@AtoZCommunityChannel]

1, Interesting top 10. I would like to comment that I agree with most of the unspoken rules you talk about, however a couple came to me across as the opposite of what I have experienced in my 7 years living in Thailand. I don't agree with 2, 6 nor 7. I had a lapse of curiosity of whether you were describing behaviors in Thai society in an alternate reality. I often see Thais without shirts and actually just in their boxer underwear or toweled up as if they were going or coming from a shower sitting unbothered next to the road in front of their homes. Also, the mucus and fingers seem to have a romance. Frequently I notice people picking their nose while playing on their phone and oblivious to the moment, just scraping like there's no one watching (or as if it were as normal as rubbing their fingers on their chin while thinking) And lastly, mostly Thai society seems to not be bothered by the display of feet so unapologetically in any direction. Whichever situation a Thai may be in could be a reason to take off their shoes. To sit down to eat, off. To walk drive, off. Office, off. Lay in the bed of a truck, off and facing the back of the traffic. Win, waiting for a customer, off and up on the motorbike handlebars facing the sidewalk. These unspoken rules may be in theory expected to be general expectations, but in practice any society as carefree as Thais would be unfazed of how they may be seen. Though, this might just be an unfair comment based on my experience in communities with lower education in Samut Prakan and Chon Buri.

[@StuartJayRaj]

note that I'm talking about 'Bangkok' here and there is certain accepted 'Bangkokian' behaviour that to stray from it may suggest otherwise. Also, I'm speaking about your general Middle Class bangkok expectations - and so you do get many demographics, but for foreigners in Thailand, IF you are in Bangkok and want to know what's expected by Middle Class Native Bangkok, I think what I mentioned are pretty close to reality . Doesn't mean that people will always follow it, but it's what's expected.

[@philliprichardson4191]

Ok got it. Only wai when trying to get across the road.

[@PhilipMR223]

Number 2.0 if you want to be taken seriously men should wear long trousers/jeans

[@iceicebaby6980]

ห้วย not easy to say. Lake, stream, lottery, both, all the above.....OK

[@StuartJayRaj]

tone is different

[@kriswillems5661]

Another unspoken rule is: don't assume it's ok the get involved in small crime. There is no small crime in Thailand - only big crime. You will be punished and the punishment is severe. I've seen foreigners taking candy out of 7-11 without paying. They don't realize what they are risking. It's so stupid.

[@StuartJayRaj]

yes! very true kris

[@RobGrimz]

Number 6 is really interesting. Multiple times here I've been sitting next to a Thai person that was just constantly loudly sniffing in clearly blocked noses. I've offered tissues and they were always rejected. I thought it was disgusting but obviously they thought I was the same for using tissues instead. Hilarious culture difference.

[@sweatycrabthailand4262]

i have wai'ed at everyone before, i still tend to wai the doorman at the hotel and the receptionist and so on, its kinda automatic, , it never did get me into any trouble, but i can see that in this culture it is discruptive. my wife told me for years not to do it, now i see more why! ill still wai my moterh in law i think, and monks!

[@unplugyourself7335]

I really question number five. I hate this kind of behavior, but Thais are very good at it as well and it is one of the things that are quite puzzling for me, since it doesn’t really fit in the whole scheme of เกรงใจ IMO. Music, tiktok, radio, monks preaching- I have seen (and heard it) all and they do not seem to care even a little bit. I have also seen this in all kinds of situations. Many Thais don’t even seem to care about others sleeping. Admittedly it’s congruent with attaching the loudest exhaustion pipe available on the market to your motorbike or tuk tuk, and letting it roar at 2:30am though. Edit: Since I moved here I also curbed the wai-ing a lot, but it’s not really tragical if you over-do it as ฝรั่ง and you will probably not end up making things uncomfortable for anyone. I can’t speak about corporate world, but Thais wai a lot in daily life. My friends and me will do everytime coming and leaving to everyone regardless of status and sometimes even follow up with a Western greeting and a handshake. Maybe it’s also a generational thing, since my friends are around 30. Admittedly I cringe at witnessing friends coming here for holidays and wai-ing their way through the country, but on the other hand it is the result of how Thailand and Thais are portrayed to them. I also curbed my ขอบคุณครับ a lot and usually go for ครับผม depending on the situation and the amount of thankfulness I feel . 😂

[@StuartJayRaj]

Maybe I need to preface ... what is preferred by Bangkok... not always adhered to though

[@apichaipunnahitananda8408]

The loud exhaust pipe is a true annoying case. Those people doing that had been cursed and may live not long if it happen every night. Some loud noise sources are from occasional events or ceremonies, neighborhood people can allowed it for a certain of period. Anyway, the repetitive annoyance behavior can be raised to ligitimacy. The meaning of 'Wai' is 'I respect you', either respect elderly (experiences) or respect your quality (fame, skills, good heart, etc). And another circumstance to 'Wai' is to thank someone who did helping you something. It will be useful that you (and friends) know the meaning behind gestures. You can better apply it in real situations

[@limonade2684]

What about the cars in villages driving around and shouting loudly for hours?

[@SilasHaslam]

I will help answer as a Thai and a Bangkok resident. Yes, those who engage in the behaviors you mentioned do not adhere to the concept of krengjai at all. I might sound politically incorrect, but the “Thai values,” which consist of many unspoken rules, are so subtle that even some Thai people who are not very “cultured” struggle to fully grasp the concept. I’m not that old, but I’ve noticed that over the last 10-15 years, the media (including social media) has been pushing “unsophisticated” content-some of it straight-up garbage-and forcing it down our throats. That might be the reasons why some of these concepts seem to be so “foreign” even to some Thais? Ironically, they still crave respect, dignity, and recognition, yet fail to realize that these things must be earned, not freely given.

[@TadaMinburi]

👍👍

[@warongratratanawarang3057]

THANK YOU ,The word. " Footpath" 99.99% of Thai people never know this word ,all of them called ฟุตบาท ฟุต=foot บาทmean เท้า ฟุตบาท= เท้าไทย+ เท้าฝรั่ง😮😮😮 thank you.😊😊

[@andrewdunbar828]

"Foothpath" is Australian English. Other English speaking countries use the words "pavement" or "sidewalk".

[@jim.pearsall]

100% 👏🏻👍🏻🇹🇭🇺🇸😊

[@ParinandVarnasavang]

This is very shameful and I hope the later generations of Bangkokians will abandon these rules.

[@tonykaku8948]

I saw some locals in Bangkok walking without T-shirt, but there was near their neighboorhoods where less foreigners pass by.

[@apichaipunnahitananda8408]

It's their resident area, that's fine and neighboring people familiar to it. It's different when seeing someone without tops go shopping or walk around the city making uncomfortable to local people eyes. It means disrespectful.

[@somluck2813]

Bangkok has bogans, like everywhere else.

[@ggmen6998]

มันเป็นพื้นที่ชุมชนเขาครับ ก็เลยอาจจะออกมาถอดเสื้อเล่นกีฬาได้ เช่นเล่นบอล เล่นตะกร้อ แต่เฉพาะคน Gen ยุค 70-80 ลงมานะ 😅😅 คนยุค Gen 20 มาเห็น อาจจะดูทำพฤติกรรมแปลกๆจัง 😂😂

[@jackh1749]

Adding to the foot taboos.. dont point with your foot and if you see thai money blowing in the wind dont use your foot to step on and stop it.. you may be arrested for stepping on the kings image..

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

No. 8 is great and so right. We westerners are not part of the Asian class system. So the only persons that should be wai'ed are monks and then do not say "sawadi" but "namasakan" , please!!!

[@vade248721]

I agree with all this stuff but the amount of Thais that i see without a shirt, playing loud music on their phone, blowing snock rockets. I live in Thailand for 10 years now. Some of this is just what we as westerners appreciate that some Thais believe and then we want to double down on it like it is a cultural thing. The loud phone thing isnt something that Thais think is not okay to do. They love it when you wai everyone. Yes there is a right and wrong way but, they love it when you as a westerner wai them.

[@sweatycrabthailand4262]

theyre all chinese.. 😅

[@etvi1]

Wai at kids?...hmm. They will find it funny and will not take it seriously because you are a farang and behaving like this shows them that you not to know.

[@Nebula37]

No waaay. They think Westerners who wai everyone are silly and ignorant.

[@vade248721]

@@etvi1 yeah. They love it.

[@Kwippy]

We Thai people pride ourselves on being nice and kind and polite and we probably are most of the time. But once a Thai gets behind the wheel of a car or mount a motorbike, we turn into selfish ruthless beasts. Zebra crossings are meaningless. Red light at traffic stop can mean go really fast. Many Thais in cars feel they are superior in status to bikers and pedestrians and if you don't show proper respect and get in the way, they feel insulted which leads to anger.

[@nopphajohn]

กฎ , not กฏ

[@roninmantis7584]

Interesting don't blow your nose in public, but it's ok to pick your nose in public.

[@glenloader639]

So true, you often see Thai men put a finger up to the side of there nose then through the other nostril blow snot out on to the side walk or road.

[@หลานย่าโม..ว้ายๆ]

What you said is like you are destroying Thailand. I don't understand your intentions, but what I can tell is that you don't like Thailand and are destroying Thailand.

[@StuartJayRaj]

how?

[@ggmen6998]

ทําลายประเทศ ยังไงครับ ? ผมว่าที่เขาพูดก็มีเหตุผลอยู่หลายเรื่องนะ เรื่องที่ควรปรับปรุงอย่างพฤติกรรม การขับรถฝ่าทางม้าลาย ก็ควรน้อมรับปรับปรุง แต่บางอย่างที่นักท่องเที่ยวต่างชาติ ควรปรับปรุง เขาก็พูดให้ ทั้งเรื่อง ฝรั่งไม่ชอบใส่เสื้อเดิน หรือ ชอบเปิดเพลงเสียงดัง พูดคุยเสียงดัง อย่าเอาเท้ามาเกยที่นั่งในที่สาธารณะหรือรถไฟฟ้า เขาก็บอกห้ามให้ว่าอย่าทํา การบีบแตร อันนี้ผมว่าสามัญสำนึกทั่วไป บีบแตรดังๆได้ แต่ต้องเป็นเรื่องเร่งด่วน หรือ ฉุกเฉินจริงๆขอทางได้ แต่ถ้าบีบแตร เพราะอารมณ์ตนเอง ก็อย่าทํา ส่วนเรื่อง การไหว้ การยิ้ม ผมขอติ นิดหนึ่ง ฝรั่งไม่ต้องคํานึง ถึงระบบอาวุโสมากนักหรอก คุณไหว้มาผมไหว้กลับแค่นั้น เพราะเขารู้ว่าคุณเป็นฝรั่ง 😅😅 ส่วนเรื่องการยิ้มให้ อย่าไปคิดอะไรมาก ยิ้มให้คนที่อยากจะคุยด้วย ก็พอ ถ้าไปยิ้มคนแปลกหน้า นี้มันดูแปลกไป สรุปที่คุณพูดเหมารวมเขาอย่างนี้ คือคุณฟังภาษาอังกฤษไม่ออกหรือเปล่า 😂😂😂😂

[@limonade2684]

Says the shirtless dude.

[@Matto_Harvo]

If you want to go shirtless: do it! It’s not ‘acceptable’ anywhere. So if you go shirtless elsewhere, do it in Bangkok too. Don’t forget the seedy side of Bangkok. A shirtless man? They can handle that.

[@Nebula37]

Give me a break.

[@Matto_Harvo]

@ What break would that be? Do you think that a foreign man shouldn’t go topless in Bangkok?

[@johnfonder1185]

เรามีการ "รับไหว้" ด้วยนะครับ เช่น กลุ่มพนักงานไหว้ CEO และ CEO พนมมือรับไหว้ตอบ หรือพนักงานต้อนรับไหว้คุณ และคุณยกมือไหว้ตอบโดยพนมมือแค่ระดับอก การรับไหว้ทำให้คุณดูอ่อนโยนไม่ดูเหมือนวางอำนาจครับ อีกอย่าง CEO จะยกมือไหว้ "กลุ่มของพนักงาน" ก่อนก็ได้นะครับ

[@petermc3986]

Excellent overview. A pet peeve of mine is shirtless guys, unless beachside. It actually falls under a law and is technically illegal. A fine, I understand. I really wish police would enforce it. Easy money for them to boot!