Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [24]
The importance of modesty extends to the beach as well. Except for urban Bangkokians, most Thais swim fully clothed. For this reason, sunbathing nude or topless is not acceptable and in some cases is even illegal.
Thais are also fastidious in their personal appearance and even in the hottest weather rarely sweat, whereas new arrivals are in a constant state of perspiration. One way to avoid the continual drip is to bathe often. Talcum powder is another antidote to moisture and stink and helps prevent prickly heat.
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VISITING HILL-TRIBE VILLAGES
The minority tribes of Thailand living in the northern mountains have managed to maintain their own distinct cultural identity despite increased interaction with the majority culture over the last 30 years. Even with the adoption of outside influences, like Christianity or Buddhism or donated Western-style clothes, many hill-tribe villages continue their animistic traditions, which define social taboos and conventions. If you’re planning on visiting hill-tribe villages on an organized trek, talk to your guide about do’s and don’ts. Here is a general prescription to get you started.
Always ask for permission before taking any photos of tribespeople, especially at private moments inside their dwellings. Many traditional belief systems view photography with suspicion.
Show respect for religious symbols and rituals. Don’t touch totems at village entrances or sacred items hanging from trees. Don’t participate in ceremonies unless invited to join.
Avoid cultivating a tradition of begging, especially among children. Don’t hand out candy unless you can also arrange for modern dentistry. Talk to your guide about donating to a local school instead.
Avoid public nudity and be careful not to undress near an open window where village children might be able to peep in.
Don’t flirt with members of the opposite sex unless you plan on marrying them. Don’t drink or do drugs with the villagers; altered states sometimes lead to culture clashes.
Smile at villagers even if they stare at you. And ask your guide how to say ‘hello’ in the tribal language.
Avoid public displays of affection, which in some traditional systems are viewed as offensive to the spirit world.
Don’t interact with the villagers’ livestock, even the free-roaming pigs; these creatures are valuable possessions, not entertainment oddities. Also avoid interacting with jungle animals, which in some belief systems are viewed as visiting spirits.
Don’t litter.
Adhere to the same feet taboos that apply to Thai culture (see below). Plus don’t step on the threshold of a house, prop your feet up against the fire or wear your shoes inside.
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Sandals or slip-on shoes are perfectly acceptable for almost any but the most formal occasions.
Head & Feet Taboos
From practical and spiritual viewpoints, Thais regard the head as the highest and most sacred part of the body and the feet as the dirtiest and lowest part of the body. Many of the taboos associated with the feet have a practical derivation as well. Traditionally Thais ate, slept and entertained on the floor of their homes with little in the way of furniture. To keep their homes and eating surfaces clean, the feet (and shoes) contracted a variety of rules. All feet and head taboos in Thailand come with certain qualifiers and exceptions that will make more sense as you become more familiar with the culture. In the meantime, err on the side of caution with the following tips.
One of the most considerate things you can do in Thailand is to take off your shoes inside private homes or some guesthouses and businesses. (When entering temple buildings, removing your shoes is an absolute must.) Not every establishment asks for shoe removal, but a good sign that this is required is a pile of shoes left at