Thai People and Social Manners

The majority of Thai people live in rural areas and this is still the basis of Thai society. There is a strong hierarchal structure in their relations with other people, respect to the parents, elderly and authority are examples of this. Another thing the Thais are famous for is avoiding conflicts, it's absolutely useless to get angry, they will still smile at you although inside they might hate you, showing their true feelings is not their nature however. They accept their fate without complaining and are mostly happy and laid back people. Even people with jobs that we think just can't be fun still enjoy their work and are friendly, ever wanted to help people get their shopping carts of an escalator for 10 hours a day, in Thailand people who do this are not regarded as inferior but are treated in a normal respectful way, just the way it should be.

One reason that the people are so relaxed can be found in Buddhism, they believe that your current life is influenced by the amount of good deeds from a previous life and thus a next life will be influenced by how you behave in the current life. Buddhism is furthermore not an extreme religion, it always chooses the middle ground and people should live their life they think is best, no strong regulations can be found in Buddhism. People strongly believe in ghosts and they should be pleased and respected. Things can only be done when the time is right but how they know when this time has come remains vague and depends on astrological mathematics.
So what do Thais think is important? Generally people only do something when it's "Sanuk", meaning fun. They are world champions in going out for dinner and doing things that might be useless but at least they are fun.

Social Manners

Thais are one of the friendliest people you will ever meet, in general they are helpful and generous. There are however certain rules you have to know before you try to become buddies with a Thai. First of all, smiling will get you halfway already. If you approach somebody or just look at somebody just give them a friendly smile, in 99 percent people will return your nice smile, now they already like you since you look happy and open to them. The standard greeting is "Sawat Dii" (literally meaning good luck) and to be polite men add Krap and women add Ka to it.

It is not usual to shake hands while greating, however if they see that you are western they might still do so, just greet them with a little nod of your head. Another way of greeting in Thailand is the "Wai" where the hands are put together around the nose area and a little bow is made, the higher the hands and the deeper the bow the more respect they show. A wai will be first done by the person with a lower status so expect staff in a hotel greet you with a Wai. They don't expect you to do this back, just smile and nod your head a litlle bit.
The head is the most sacred part in Thailand so never ever touch somebody's head without a good reason. The feet are the lowest and should therefore never be pointed to somebody's head and never point them at a Buddha statue. Also be moderate with pointing your finger and avoid physical contact.

NEVER EVER say something bad about the Royal Family or the Thai democracy, not only will the Thais be extremely offended by it but insulting the king is a crime! The King is loved and respected greatly, the national anthem is played everyday at 8 in the morning and 6 in the evening on the radio and in public places. If you hear it, shut up and stand still. Also be reminded that throwing things is considered rude, especially banknotes since they have a picture of the King on them!