RELIGION
Neat and respectful dress should be worn in all religious shrines. It is not considered polite to visit religious monuments in shorts, miniskirts or hot pants. Trousers and jeans are considered unsuitable attire for women visiting a temple. Though shoes can be worn in temple compounds, they should be removed before entering the chapel of the principal Buddha image.  Indeed, all Buddha images are regarded as sacred, regardless of size,
age or position, and should all be shown due respect. Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a woman,
or accept anything from a woman's hand. In a Muslim mosque, men should cover their heads, even with an open handkerchief, and women should be well covered with slacks or a long skirt,
a
long sleeved blouse buttoned to the neck, and a scarf over
the head. Everyone should remove her/his shoes before
entering the mosque. Mosques should not be visited during
a religious gathering.
The Monarchy -
The Royal Family is highly revered in
Thailand , and images such as statues, photographs,
pictures etc. should be shown due respect. In a movie
theatre, everybody is expected to stand during the playing of the Royal Anthem and a portrait of the King is shown on the screen.
Social Customs -
Thais greet each other with a prayer-like gesture called a Wai . Generally, a younger person Wais an older person, who will then return it. Thais address each other (and usually foreigners) by their first names (which is also how they are listed in the telephone directory followed by their family name) This is prefixed by the polite word Khun . Public displays of affection, shouting and wild gesticulation are to be avoided as they are considered impolite.
The head is considered the highest part of the body, while the feet are considered the lowest, both literally and figuratively. Touching someone's head or pointing at people or things with the feet are, therefore, considered extremely rude. As with entering temples, shoes are removed before entering somebody's home.
Thai Buddhism - At least 90 percent of Thais practice Theravada Busshism. This was first brought to the region from India around the 3 rd century BC and is based on the ancient Pali canon of the Buddha's teachings (Tripitaka). However, Thai practice incorporates many Hindu, Tantric, and Mahayana Buddhist influences. The worship of Buddha images, for instance, is a Mahayana Buddhist practice. Animist beliefs in spirits and the magical and in astrology are also widespread.
Thais believe that Buddhism is one of three forces that give their kingdom its strength, the other two being the monarchy and nationhood. Religious rituals color daily life, especially in the form of merit-making.
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