10. Don’t Lose Your Temper
Thais have a philosophy of keeping their cool and not losing their temper, also known as jai yen (cool heart). Most Thais avoid confrontation and see raising one’s voice as not a good form. Staying calm and smiling often goes a long way in Thailand. It does not mean that you won’t encounter one angry person on your trip, but Thais are generally very hospitable, welcoming and tolerant. Don’t get frustrated, “mai pen rai” as the locals say.
11. Don’t Eat with a Fork
Dining is a social affair in Thailand. There are no specific dining periods so visitors can enjoy cheap yet delicious food all day and all night from local restaurants, street side vendors and hawker stalls. Thai food is eaten with a spoon and a fork, but it is the spoon that touches one’s mouth. You use the fork to push the food onto the spoon. Thai food is often cut into small pieces and served soft enough that a knife is not necessary. Chopsticks are only to be used when eating Chinese dishes.
12. Never Whistle at Night
Here’s one of the things not to do in Thailand you might not be aware of. You’ll notice that Thais will become very uneasy if they hear a whistle after dark. This is because Thais are very superstitious and believe that whistling at night is bad luck because you’re calling the evil spirits. So even if you’re feeling like whistling a tune on your evening stroll, please restrain yourself.
