Customs, Laws & Etiquette in Thailand

Last updated: January 2025

Thailand is a welcoming country, but respecting local customs and understanding the law will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Some laws carry serious penalties that catch tourists off guard.

Critical Laws to Know

Respecting the Monarchy (Lèse-Majesté)

This is the most important law for tourists to understand.

Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws that protect the monarchy. Criticism, mockery, or disrespect of the King, Queen, or royal family — past or present — is illegal and strictly enforced.

What's illegal:

• Verbal criticism of the monarchy
• Social media posts deemed disrespectful
• Sharing articles or images critical of royalty
• Defacing currency (the King's image is on all money)
• Stepping on money (coins or notes)

Penalties: 3-15 years in prison per offense. This law applies to everyone, including tourists.

Practical advice:

• Never discuss the monarchy negatively
• Be respectful if the topic comes up
• Stand when the royal anthem plays in cinemas
• Don't step on or disrespect Thai currency
• When in doubt, say nothing

Vaping is Illegal (Strictly Enforced)

Vapes, e-cigarettes, and all vaping devices are banned in Thailand.

This law is actively enforced, especially since the 2025 crackdown. Police conduct random checks at airports, tourist areas, and on the street.

What's banned:

• All e-cigarettes and vape pens
• Vape liquids and cartridges
• All vaping accessories
• IQOS and similar heat-not-burn devices

Penalties:

• Fines: 20,000-30,000 THB (~$600-900 USD)
• Possible imprisonment up to 10 years
• Deportation for serious offenses

In 2025: Over 1,200 foreign nationals were fined or deported for vape-related offenses.

Our advice: Leave all vaping devices at home. This is not a law that's ignored — it's actively enforced.

Drug Laws (Zero Tolerance)

Thailand has extremely harsh drug laws.

What's illegal:

• Possession, use, or trafficking of controlled substances
• This includes party drugs, marijuana (recreational), cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, etc.

Penalties:

• Possession: Up to 10 years imprisonment
• Trafficking: Life imprisonment or death penalty
• Even small amounts can result in years in prison

Cannabis update (2025):

• Recreational cannabis was re-banned in June 2025
• Now legal only for medical use with prescription
• CBD products with ≤0.2% THC are legal and available
• Don't assume weed is legal — the party's over

Our advice: Thailand's prisons are not where you want to spend your vacation. Don't buy, possess, or use illegal drugs.

Cultural Etiquette

The Wai Greeting

The wai (ไหว้) is Thailand's traditional greeting — palms pressed together with a slight bow.

How to wai:

• Press palms together, fingers pointing up
• Position at chest level (for equals) or higher (for elders/monks)
• Slight bow of the head
• Often accompanied by "Sawasdee" (hello)

When to wai:

• When greeted with a wai (always return it)
• When saying hello, goodbye, or thank you to elders
• When entering a temple

When NOT to wai:

• To service workers (they'll wai you first)
• To children
• While holding things (a nod is fine)

As a tourist: You're not expected to initiate wais, but returning one is polite and appreciated.

Respect for Body Parts

Thai culture has strong beliefs about body parts.

The head is sacred:

• Never touch someone's head (including children)
• Don't ruffle hair as a friendly gesture
• The head is the highest and most respected body part

Feet are the lowest:

• Never point feet at people, Buddha images, or temples
• Don't put feet on furniture
• Don't step over people or food
• Remove shoes before entering homes and temples

The left hand:

• Traditionally used for "unclean" tasks
• Use your right hand to give and receive things
• Use right hand or both hands for payments

Temple Etiquette (Wat)

Temples are sacred spaces with strict rules.

Dress code (non-negotiable):

• Cover shoulders completely (no tank tops)
• Cover knees (no shorts or short skirts)
• No tight or revealing clothing
• Some temples provide cover-ups for a small fee or donation

What to do:

• Remove shoes at entrance (look for the shoe pile)
• Keep voice low and respectful
• Sit with feet tucked behind you (not pointing at Buddha)
• Bow your head in respect when passing Buddha images
• Make a small donation if you wish

What NOT to do:

• Don't touch Buddha statues
• Don't climb on anything
• Don't take inappropriate photos
• Don't point feet at Buddha images
• Don't turn your back to Buddha while retreating

Interacting with monks:

• Show deep respect
• Women must NEVER touch monks or hand things directly to them
• If a woman needs to give something to a monk, place it down for him to pick up
• Don't sit higher than a monk
• Don't photograph monks without permission

General Behavior

Public behavior:

• Avoid public displays of anger — Thai culture values "keeping face"
• Don't raise your voice or argue aggressively
• Public displays of affection are frowned upon
• Loud, drunken behavior is disrespectful

The national anthem:

• Plays at 8 AM and 6 PM on public speakers in some areas
• Plays before cinema screenings
• Stop what you're doing and stand respectfully
• Tourists who don't stand may receive dirty looks or worse

Respect and "face":

• Never embarrass someone publicly
• Criticism should be private and gentle
• A smile goes a long way
• "Mai pen rai" (never mind/no problem) is the Thai approach

Other Important Laws

Alcohol Laws

• Legal drinking age: 20 years old
• No alcohol on public transport: MRT, BTS, buses
• No alcohol sales: 2-5 PM daily at many shops
• No alcohol on Buddhist holidays: Major temples and some stores

Smoking Laws

• No smoking on beaches: Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, and others
• Fines: Up to 100,000 THB
• No smoking in restaurants: Enclosed public spaces
• Designated areas: Look for smoking zones

Photography

• Ask permission before photographing people
• No drone photography without registration (complex process)
• No photos in some temples, palaces, and government buildings
• Never photograph military installations

Driving Laws

• Drive on the left
• Helmet required for motorbikes (driver and passenger)
• License required: International Driving Permit or Thai license
• No drinking and driving: Checkpoints are common

Marine and Nature Laws

In national parks and marine areas:

• Don't feed fish, turtles, or other wildlife
• Don't touch or collect coral
• Don't remove shells, sand, or natural items
• Fines can be significant

"Don't Do This" Quick List

Useful Thai Phrases

Note: Men end sentences with "krap" (ครับ), women with "ka" (ค่ะ) for politeness.

FAQs

Can I wear shorts in Thailand? Yes, for everyday activities. Not at temples or government buildings.

Is Thailand safe for LGBTQ+ travelers? Generally yes. Thailand is relatively accepting, and Pattaya has an active LGBTQ+ scene. Same-sex relationships are not illegal, though same-sex marriage is not yet legal.

Can I photograph Thai people? Ask first. Most people are happy to pose, but it's polite to request permission.

What if I accidentally offend someone? Apologize sincerely, smile, and move on. Thais are generally forgiving of honest tourist mistakes.

Are these laws really enforced? Yes. Monarchy laws and vaping laws especially. Don't assume you'll get a pass for being a tourist.

Can I bring my vape and just not use it? No. Possession is illegal. Customs may check luggage. Leave it at home.