Etiquette in Bangkok, Thailand /Temple 

Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles”

Bangkokians are generally very understanding and hospitable, but there are some important taboos and social conventions to be aware of.

• Monarchy Never make any disparaging remarks about any member of Thailand's royal family. Treat objects depicting the king (such as money) with respect.
• Temples Wear clothing that covers you to your knees and elbows. Remove your shoes when you enter a temple building. Sit with your feet tucked behind you to avoid pointing the bottom of your feet at Buddha images. Women should never touch a monk or a monk's belongings; step out of a monk's way on footpaths and don't sit next to a monk on public transport.
• Save Face Never get into an argument with a Thai. It is better to smile through any social friction.

Don'ts: 

* point your feet, raise them higher, show the bottom

* touch someones head 

* point 

         * If you must indicate a person, do so by lifting your chin in their direction.

* loose your cool 

           * Shouting, blowing your top, or displaying strong emotions is generally  frowned upon in Thailand

            * Instead, laugh and say "mai pen rai."

* throw things - disrespectful 

             * throw money, hand to people unfolded with right hand 

Do's: 

* remove shoes 

* return a wai - The wai is Thailand's prayer-like gesture with the hands together in front and head slightly bowed

* use your right hand- left is considered dirty 

         * Touch your left hand to your right forearm (showing that it is safely out of reach) if you wish to show extra respect

* eat with a spoon - spoon in right and fork in left 

Temple Etiquette 

Thailand's temples — known as wats

*look up details (age, purpose, etc) before visiting a temple — you'll appreciate it even more

* Attending a Monk Chat session in Chiang Mai could mean swapping email addresses with a monk. Don't panic! Take advantage of the interaction while still showing respect. This is your chance to ask about daily life, Buddhism, or anything else that interests you.

Temple Areas

Thailand temples typically have peaceful grounds in a courtyard that house an ordination hall (bot), prayer hall (viharn), stupas (chedi), living residences (kuti), a kitchen, and perhaps even classrooms or administrative buildings.

The botis often for monks only, while visitors — tourists included — go to the viharn (prayer hall) to pray or see images of Buddha. 

In a quiet temple, to make sure you're entering the place open for the public (the viharn), just look for these things:

• -Signs in English (e.g., asking you to remove your shoes) is a good indicator.
• -Donation boxes
• -Other worshipers who aren't monks

A few rules of temple etiquette should be followed as you enter the main worship area:

• -Remove your shoes before entering the viharn unless already directed to leave them outside.
• -Don't step or stand on the threshold going inside.
• -Walk around sacred objects in only a clockwise manner.
• -Don't get in the way of local people who are actually there to worship.
• -Try to back away from the Buddha statue a short distance before turning your back.
• -Don't touch sacred objects in the worship area.
• -Don't be loud, goof off, or crack jokes.
• -Don't point at images of Buddha.
• -Do not raise yourself higher than the image of Buddha (e.g., sitting on the raised platform for a photo).
•  If monks come into the hall, stand up until they finish their prostrations.

When ready to leave, don't raise yourself higher than the Buddha statue and do not turn your back to it; back away instead.

Dos While Visiting a Thailand Temple

• -Do remove hats, sunglasses, and shoes when entering a worship area.
• -Do turn off your mobile phone, remove headphones, and lower your voice.
• -Do show respect; now is not the time to share the latest joke you just heard.
• -Do step over the wooden threshold to the temple rather than on top of it.
• -Do stand up when monks or nuns enter the room.

Dress Modestly

The #1 rule of etiquette for visiting Thai temples is to dress modestly!

If you sit in a group to talk to the monk, never sit higher than him and sit with your feet beneath of you to show proper respect. Allow the monk to finish talking before you interrupt with a question or comment.

If you must hand a monk something (e.g., paying for a trinket on the way out), put the object down and allow the monk to pick it up.

What’s appropriate clothing for Thai temples?

The basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees (both sexes), and ideally you’d cover your ankles too. On the bottom, wear longer shorts, capris, pants/trousers or a knee-length-or-longer skirt. On top, choose any shirt that fully covers your shoulders. A T-shirt, blouse or polo is fine, while a tank top is not. However, a pashmina or scarf worn around the shoulders over a tank top is acceptable (or used as a makeshift long skirt), so it’s easy to get ‘temple worthy’ quite quickly.