Don’t get angry when someone on the street shouts “hey you” to attract your attention. They don’t realize they’re being impolite. “You” is translated from the Thai word “khun” which is a normal and polite form of address in Thai.

_____________________________________

Don’t be surprised if someone addresses you by your first name, like Mr. Kris or Miss Mary. The Thais normally address one another using first names only, usually with the title ‘Khun’ in front. Surnames are not commonly used as a mode of address.

___________________________________________________________

You’ll notice after a short while in Thailand that Thais have three names—a first name, a surname and a nickname. The nickname, usually something short and catchy like Noi or Lek, is given at birth and is used universally among family members and close friends.

___________________________________________________________

Don't smuggle or trade with narcotics and hard drugs! It is punishable with death sentence!

___________________________________________________________

Always use a crash helmet when driving a motorbike in Thailand!

But we recommend all of you, never drive a motorbike in Land Of Smiles!

First of all....it's incredible dangerous due to the fact that more than 50% of the Thais don't have a driving license, and the remaining part of the Thais have no traffic culture as in the Western world! To say it mildly: Thais drive like crazy!

Second....there is no insurance that cover you if you're involved in an accident! Don't believe those bike rentals who tell you the bike has insurance that covers both you and 3rd party! Also no insurance covers theft!

___________________________________________________________

If you are involved in a car or motorbike accident then any damage to the car or bike is better to get fixed somewhere yourself before returning it! Fixing cars and bikes are rarely expensive and rarely takes long. And it will save you a lot of money, because you can be sure the car or bike rental will overcharge you quite a bit!

___________________________________________________________

Asking for your way around is not an easy task in Thailand!

Thais generally don't like to "loose face" so if you ask a Thai on the street or even in a hotel or travel agency for your way around, they will never admit that they don't know! It's kind of "loosing face". So instead of admitting they don't know, they guide you in the wrong direction! The same is the fact with taxi drivers!! And that can be quite uncomfortable, for example if you're going to Eastern area of Sukhumvit in Bangkok (Soi 26 and higher) you might not like jump out from the taxi in the middle of the night without having knowledge where you actually are! Avoid this by buying a map with text in both English and Thai!

___________________________________________________________

Pack reading material if you must be on the road by bus or taxi during rush hours (7:30-9:30am or 3:30-7:30pm). You may have plenty of time to finish a short novel en-route!

___________________________________________________________

If a driver refuses to take you where you wish to go it may be because he has to return his taxi within the next half hour. It is not because you smell!

___________________________________________________________

It is polite to pay a tip of B 10.00 over the meter fare but not required.(The only official extra charges are for expressway tolls and taxis picked up at the airport.)

___________________________________________________________

Add your own Tips&Tricks here!

Back to Top