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Moving to Thailand? Prepare for culture shock. Discover 10 common things that surprise expats in Thailand — from etiquette and time perception to social hierarchy and daily habits.
🌀 Why Culture Shock Happens in Thailand
🌀 Why Culture Shock Happens in Thailand
Even though Thailand is modern and tourist-friendly, living here long-term reveals deep cultural differences that can catch new expats off guard.
Culture shock isn't just about language — it’s about adjusting your mindset. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 most common things that surprise foreigners (and how to handle them like a local).
🇹🇭 1. The Thai Smile Isn’t Always What You Think
🇹🇭 1. The Thai Smile Isn’t Always What You Think
Thais smile often — but not always because they’re happy.
Smile Type
Meaning
😊 Polite smile
Default for strangers
😬 Embarrassed smile
When something goes wrong
😁 “I disagree but won’t argue” smile
Common in conflict situations
💡 Tip: Smiling back is expected — but don’t read too much into it emotionally.
🕐 2. Time Is Flexible ("Mañana Mindset")
🕐 2. Time Is Flexible ("Mañana Mindset")
Being 10–15 minutes late is often acceptable.
“Now” might mean “later today.”
Things take time — appointments, repairs, bureaucracy.
👉 Solution: Be patient, follow up politely, and expect delays (with a smile).
🪷 3. Respect for Hierarchy and Age
🪷 3. Respect for Hierarchy and Age
Thai society is built on hierarchy:
Elders are respected deeply.
Teachers, monks, and authority figures are rarely questioned.
Using the polite form of speech (like "kha" or "krub") is essential.
🙃 4. Avoiding Conflict Is a National Art
🙃 4. Avoiding Conflict Is a National Art
Direct confrontation is frowned upon.
“Saving face” is more important than being “right.”
Don’t raise your voice or criticize in public.
If you need to complain, do so calmly and indirectly.
👉 Tip: Instead of saying “you’re wrong,” try:
“Maybe we can look at it another way?”
🙏 5. The Wai (Thai Greeting) Has Rules
🙏 5. The Wai (Thai Greeting) Has Rules
Putting your hands together and bowing slightly is called a “wai.”
Who Wais First
Who Returns
Younger person
Elder
Customer
Shop owner
Student
Teacher or Monk
💡 Don’t wai to a child, cleaner, or someone serving you.
🚫 6. Feet Are Low. Heads Are High.
🚫 6. Feet Are Low. Heads Are High.
Never point your feet at people, religious objects, or Buddha images.
Don’t touch someone’s head, even as a joke.
Always remove shoes before entering homes or temples.
👨👩👧 7. Family Comes Before All
👨👩👧 7. Family Comes Before All
Many Thais live with or support their extended families.
Parents and grandparents are highly respected.
You may hear your Thai friend say: “I need to go home and help mom” — it's not negotiable.
🛐 8. Religion Is Everywhere (But Tolerant)
🛐 8. Religion Is Everywhere (But Tolerant)
Buddhism is integrated into daily life.
Don’t climb or sit on Buddha statues.
Monks are highly respected — don’t touch or hand items directly to them (especially women).
👉 Tip: Dress modestly when visiting temples (shoulders/knees covered).
💏 9. Public Affection is Rare (But Social Media is Wild)
💏 9. Public Affection is Rare (But Social Media is Wild)
Kissing, hugging, or holding hands in public is uncommon.
However, people dress sexy and post boldly on TikTok or IG.
It’s a paradox: conservative in person, open online.
💬 10. You’ll Be Called “Farang” — and That’s OK
💬 10. You’ll Be Called “Farang” — and That’s OK
“Farang” means foreigner — it’s not an insult.
It’s used everywhere: farang food, farang price, farang guy.
Sometimes used playfully, sometimes bluntly.
Learn to laugh along (and maybe say: "Farang mai keng tae jai dee" — “Not smart, but kindhearted” 😄)
Culture shock in Thailand is inevitable — but manageable.
If you:
Stay humble
Observe before reacting
Learn a few words of Thai
Smile (even when frustrated)
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