Are you curious about Thailand? Do you want to avoid a social blunder in Thailand? Or prepare yourself for the quirks of the Thai people? Continue reading, as we give you a detailed account of the social norms and unwritten rules in Thailand.
Image source: https://pixabay.com
A journey to the Asian nation of Thailand sometimes feels like a leap to another planet. The reassuring evidence that indicates you haven’t left the earth – is that you are breathing without the aid of oxygen masks and cylinders. Another comforting observation is that the inhabitants of this ‘strange’ land have identical features to you. Yes, every culture has its values and rules. However, some practices of Thailand citizens could seem excessive to the average tourist.
Thailand is one of the countries on the bucket list of an average destination traveller. Its rich cultural heritage and promise of leisure, luxury and excitement ensure the continuous influx of tourists into the nation.
Still, the question remains: what are practices in Thailand that are weird in the rest of the world? In this article, we will be discussing the:
- Weird practices of Thai people
- Strange places in Thailand
- Unconventional Thailand cuisine
- Illegal things in Thailand
As we write at length in these sections, you will see the answer to your question. Continue reading! What you seek is within your reach!
Weird Practices in Thailand
Snacky bugs
Asia is perceived to be the centre for eating insects. Some African countries also practice this act but, Asian countries like Thailand have gone overboard with it. On the streets of Thailand, you will see enthusiastic individuals snacking on various six-legged creatures like cockroaches, scorpions, crickets, silkworms, water beetles and many others. Not all these bugs are tasty so, be careful. If you feel adventurous and want to try the scorpions – make sure the stinger has been removed. Scorpion stingers contain venom that is toxic to humans.
Dual rates
Do not be surprised when you are given a higher price than your Thai buddy for the same service. This is not only common in the tourist zones but also the local areas. Thai people associate foreigners to more money.
National anthem
The respect Thailand has for its national anthem is remarkable and often annoying. The national anthem is played twice daily at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily across all public channels. Radios, television, schools and public institutes play the anthem. While everyone is expected to stand in honour of the anthem.
Alcohol
In Thailand, alcohol cannot be bought or ordered at certain hours of the day and on specific religious days. This rule was in adherence to the Buddhist fifth precept: Avoid intoxicants and, a cause to reduce the rate of accidents on the road. Owing to the tax levy on imported alcohol, exotic alcoholic beverages are very expensive in Thailand restaurants, you can get them at the duty-free stores in the airport.
Napkins
Street vendors and local shops do not provide napkins for their customers. Instead, single sheets of tissue can be seen on the table. This corresponds with Thai people’s belief that immediately a piece of clothing is used, it becomes dirty. Hence, they ideally use the tissue to remove stains.
Sugar
Unusual as it may sound, Thai people, use an excessive amount of sugar when preparing their food. This begs the question: do they know the implications of excess sugar? According to reports from Wikipedia and BMC public health journal, there has been a steady increase in the obesity level of Thais in the past years. From a minimal level of 8.6% in 1975 to a whopping 42.2% in 2020!
Royal family
The royal family is well respected in Thailand. The King’s song is played in cinemas at the beginning of the movies along with slide shows of the past and present monarchs. It was formerly the national anthem but was substituted for the present anthem. Business organizations use the image of the King and his family to get the attention of prospective clients.
Thai Bath, the official currency of Thailand bears the image of members of the royal family. Hence, it is not to be stepped on or mishandled in any way.
Strange places in Thailand
Thailand is the home of various temples, folk tales and natural wonders. In this article, we will be describing some natural ( and human-engineered) locations.
Siriraj medical museum
Welcome to the Siriraj museum which offers intriguing but strange entertainment to its visitors. The museum is divided into 6 sections focusing on different aspects of medicine like forensics, anatomy, parasitology and others. You will get an eyeful of dissected organs, body systems; deformed babies, cancerous organs and other absurdities. This is a treasure trove for medical students and professionals.
Grand Canyon of Thailand
Image source: Pinterest (Sam Phan Bok)
Close to the town of Song khon lies a natural land and water architecture locally called Sam Phan Bok. Its local name which translates to three thousand holes gives you a graphical illustration of the site. This serene spot is characterized by numerous holes, basins and depressions. The beauty of this canyon is evident from December to May when the river level is low and undisturbed by rain.
Beer Temple
No, this is not a template dedicated to beer worship. Rather, it is a temple constructed with green and brown bottles of beer. Some admirable Buddhist monks built this impressive edifice to reduce the littered beer bottles in the environment. The temple stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity and dedication of those noble monks. The temple may not be as strange as the museum but its impeccable craftsmanship and history makes it worthy.
Thai Stone Henge
In Phu Laen Kha National park, lies strange rock formations protruding from the ground. This is Thailand’s peculiar variation of the Stone henge. This is not a favourite hub of tourists. So, if you want a quiet but awesome spot. It is the place for you.
Pha Singh Liao
This is one of Thailand’s hidden gems which shows the natural effect of wind and water erosion on rocks. Pha Singh Liao is believed by geologists to be a portion of the Ping River. The hills and cliffs are beautiful depictions of rocks weathered by wind and rain. However, one might wonder, what was unwittingly lost to achieve this beauty?
Floating Markets
Ever heard of a floating market? No, right. Well, welcome to Thailand where the unusual is the norm. Other Southeastern countries like Indonesia and Vietnam have floating markets. However, Thailand’s markets are famous and on the list of tourists. Ideally, these markets are open at the weekends but there are four markets close to Bangkok that you can see on weekdays. They are Damnoen Saduak, Don Wai, Wat Takien and Bang Phli floating rivers. Visit the markets before lunch to avoid overcrowding by tourists.
Emerald pond
Located in the popular town of Krabi is a breathtaking pool locally called Sra Morakot. The pool is renowned for its emerald colour which tempts you to swim in this jewel. Arriving there at just the right time, when the pond is in its full glory makes it a worthy trip for tourists. To avoid the crowds, enjoy this view on the weekdays or in the morning. Note that you will be charged an entrance fee.
Unconventional Thailand Cuisine
Thailand should be nicknamed ‘the country of contrast’. From its climate to the difference in its northern and southern regions. Down to its food, Thailand has designed a unique artwork of blending contrasting elements.
Thailand has earned its place in the heart of tourists as a hub for food. The unique taste of its food is because of flavours, ingredients and condiments. Although Thailand is renowned for its food, some dishes could best be described as bizarre. Some of them are worth a try, others will get an ‘okay’ review, while a few are reserved for the brave! Come, discover these peculiar delicacies
Larb leuat Neua
Rare steak sounds delicious right? How about exploring the boundaries of your palate by trying this bowl of raw beef. That sounds tolerable, right? Add an abundant helping of uncooked blood to the meat. Then you have gotten yourself an exotic and satisfying meal (if you can shove it down your throat)
Dancing shrimp
As the name implies, this is a meal whose main ingredient is Shrimp (live shrimp). This meal is prepped with fish sauce, coriander, chilli and lime juice. The lime juice makes the shrimp jump around. Hence the name: dancing shrimp. The only downside to it is the fact that you will be eating a live arthropod. If you can live with that, then go ahead.
Fried Duck beak
The people of Thailand, have taken the ‘no wastage’ principle to a whole new level. Add a plate of fried duck beaks to your conquest of exotic foods.
Red Ants Egg
Regardless of how unappealing it looks or sounds -Tourists savour this tasty meal of red ants and their eggs. The population of Ants in the world is alarming. So, why not join the Thai people in their reduction quest and have a delightful time doing it.
Luu muu
Has the taste of noodles become bland to you? Why not add raw pig’s blood to give it a distinct flavour? Luu muu is a combination of noodles and pig’s blood, a local favourite of the Thai people. Still, this meal can give you Streptococcus sui infection according to health experts in Thailand.
Roasted pork brain
Working with their ‘no wastage’ principle; northern Thailand has created a meal that will make you view brains differently. Pig’s brains are flavoured with some herbs, shrimp paste and spices. Wrapped with banana leaves and roasted under low heat on traditional stoves. This local staple is a worthy challenge for exotic food hunters.
Braised Chicken feet
In the hall of fame for bizarre food, this meal holds a bright candle. This menu is one that I will recommend you try, ignore the look of chicken feet on your plate and bite into these succulent limbs. It is often accompanied by noodles or steamed rice.
Khao Ngiao
Even though it doesn’t look or taste weird. It is noteworthy that the English translation of its name means pork blood rice. This is not as unappealing as meals prepared from raw blood because – the rice is steamed with pig’s blood. Thus, giving it a purple look.
Illegal things in Thailand
These are the strange things that could get you a fine or jail term in Thailand.
| Illegal things | Crime |
| Alcohol | taking pictures with alcohol and posting on social media; drinking alcoholic beverages in a moving vehicle, or on special days. Drinking near public places, religious sites, gas stations, schools and pharmacies. |
| Pigeon feed | Bangkok and Chiang Mai have banned tourists from feeding pigeons. You face a possible jail term and a huge fine when caught. |
| Smoking | electronic cigarettes are not accepted in Thailand since 2014 while, smoking has been banned on major beaches around Thailand( smoke in designated areas) |
| Religion | Tattoos of Buddha are not accepted. Watch where you point your fingers. Exporting Buddha statues without a license is unacceptable. |
| Flag | Drag, cut or destroy the Thai national flag. Wearing the nation’s colours (red, white and blue) in the sequence of the flag. |
| Gambling | online and offline casinos are not acceptable, but betting on horse racing is okay. |
Conclusion
There are a lot of practices peculiar to these groups of people. Due to their relaxed nature and beliefs, Thai people will forgive some societal blunders you might make. However, they will frown upon any act that blatantly disregards their core values. As stated earlier, Thailand could be described as another planet by some tourists. It is not difficult to commit a social faux Pas in this country (especially in the non-tourist zones). Neither is it tedious to respect the customs of its citizens.
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