Traditions in Thailand

It is especially important you do not point your feet at the Buddha because that is considered extremely disrespectful.
  • Shoes off at the door! Often times, salons will have inside shoes for customers to wear in place of outside shoes. You may see a bunch of shoes placed just outside someone's door because those shoes are not allowed inside the person's home. This might be less common in Bangkok because it is the capital of Thailand and more touristy, but it is an important consideration when visiting anyone's house.
    • Why does the community have this tradition?:

    Traditions allow groups of people to express themselves in ways that aren't just words. The wai is a polite form of greeting that shows your kindness to others. Being considerate of your head and feet also does the same thing. Showing respect for the people in your community shows that you are a part of the same tribe. Traditions are a language that reveals a person's connection to places, things or people. 

    Is this tradition connected to its environment? How?:

    Thailand is a culture that believes in community first over being an individual. The people here have their shared beliefs and ways of living that they have passed down for generations. The wai, polite words and rules about heads and feet reflect ideas about respect that people practice in everyday life to bind themselves to one another. Also, taking your shoes off at the door is just the most effective way to keep things clean, haha!

    Location:
    Chiang Mai, Thailand
    Location Data:
    POINT (100.992541 15.870032)

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