This section is meant to provide you with some useful tips about living in Bangkok and Thailand. These tips are here to provide you a sense of what you should or shouldn't do.

These are all based on a personal opinion and others might say I've missed some or need not have included some but they will certainly assist you.

In no particular order:

1. Smile. Thais find that a smile is a very friendly gesture. Even if you are starting to get annoyed at something, try to pull up a smile and the situation will be made easier.
2. Remember that you are a visitor to Thailand and that it is their country. There are things we find odd, silly and so on, but try not to comment on these things to the Thais.
3. The Thai royal family is incredibly important to the Thais and the present king is revered like a god and any comments should be positive ones. Do not say anything negative about the royal family.
4. Do not touch Thai people on the head. Sounds like a silly one, but it's advised not to do it to anyone. Even kids.
5. Do not point at anything with your feet. Don't use your feet to stop coins from rolling away if you drop them. If you are sitting on a chair etc make sure your feet are not facing anyone.
6. When going to a temple, if you want to sit in front of a monk or a Buddha statue or image, make sure you fold your legs and feet behind you.
7. Get permission when taking photographs inside a temple. Look for signs prohibiting photography.
8. Male monks are not allowed to touch females and so try not to put a monk in a position by which he might accidentally touch a female. If on a bus, don't sit next to a monk and if there is only one seat left next to you ( as a female ) then get up and let the monk sit down. There are usually designated areas for monks. If taking the river cruises or river boats, make sure you are not standing in a monk's area ( there will be signs ).
9. When you go to see a movie in Thailand, you will have to stand up before the main movie. The Thai National Anthem plays and everyone stands up to show respect for the King. Make sure you stand up and don't sit down before it's finished.
10. Not all Thai women work in bars etc, so do not treat them as if they do.
11. Not many "good" Thai women will go out to bars and pubs and allow strangers to pick them up. If a woman is in a bar and allows you to chat her up easily, then she is probably "one of those".
12. Try to dress well. Thais are very careful about their appearance and if you look scruffy, you will be treated with a lot less respect than if you dressed smartly, or cleanly.
    Shorts, t-shirts and so on are all OK, just make sure they are clean.
13. Personal hygiene is very important. Make sure you wash well and use good deodorants.
    There is nothing worse than getting on the underground or sky train with sweaty and smelly tourists hanging from the straps with their arms in the air and their arm pits omitting unpleasant smells.
14. Avoid getting drunk with Thai men. More bad things have happened to tourists by drunk Thai men then sober ones. It's very easy to have a Thai man raise his glass of Thai whiskey and invite you to drink with him. You are on holiday, you want to chat to the locals but Thais can't handle their booze and before you know it, the situation turns nasty. My advice is to avoid it unless there is a large group of you and there are some Thai women in the group too.
15. As with any country these days, be careful about date rape drugs being used. Don't leave your drinks unattended. If unsure, leave your drink and buy a new one.
16. Avoid taking motorbikes, especially in Bangkok. They are dangerous. Take the sky train or other means of transport.
17. Don't get into an argument with a Thai. Always make them feel they have won the argument. Losing face here is a serious issue and no Thai likes to lose face. Even if you are totally correct, and you've really nothing to lose, just accept defeat and walk away. This way, you'll walk away ( rather then end up in a potentially nasty situation ).
18. Think carefully before getting involved with a Thai. As sad as this is to say, many are just out to make a fast buck. Women will say they love you, but as soon as they have you in a situation where they can gain from you, they probably will. This goes for business too. A Thai will take advantage of you.
19. Avoid traveling alone. Try to hook up with others traveling your way. Safety in numbers.....
20. If you are looking at spending 2,500 Baht a night, why not look at staying at a serviced apartment. You'll get a much better deal than staying at a hotel.
21. Be careful of pick pockets in large and crowded areas such as Pantip Plaza and Chatuchak market .
22. Don't over stay your visa. You will be charged about 200 Baht for each day you over stay your visa. You could also land in jail for a day or two.
23. If back packing around Thailand, it might be a good idea to register with your embassy. Give them important contact details and maybe let them know where you'll be.
    
    We'd like to suggest that you visit our chat forum because you might pick up a lot of hints and tips from people who've been here quite a while. Alternatively, go to our Kao San Road Chat Forum by clicking HERE