Thai culture: festivals, customs and good manners

What role does Buddhism play?

About 95% of Thais follow Theravada Buddhism, and the country has tens of thousands of temples that also work as schools, libraries and community centres. Monks may not handle money, so people support them with food and everyday necessities, and many Thai men spend a short period as monks, often after finishing their studies.

Other traditions live alongside it. Muslims, around 5% of the population, live mostly in the far south, and Hindu gods such as Brahma are honoured by many Buddhists, a legacy of the old Khmer influence. Local spirit beliefs add another layer, explained in our guide to lucky symbols and beliefs.

What is Songkran?

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, held from 13 to 15 April, when the sun enters Aries in the traditional astrological calendar. Water stands for purification and for washing away bad luck, and the festival falls at the end of the hot, dry season, just before the rains that rice farming depends on.

The traditional side is still everywhere. People pour water over Buddha images, bring food to monks, build small sand chedis in temple grounds and pour scented water over the hands of elders to ask for their blessing. In the cities it has also become a nationwide water fight, biggest in Bangkok around Khao San Road and in Chiang Mai, where parades carry Buddha images through the streets.

If you are in Thailand for Songkran, wear light clothes that dry quickly, keep your phone and passport in a waterproof pouch and book accommodation early. Expect closed offices and heavy traffic, and take extra care on the roads. Authorities also remind visitors to dress decently and not to share explicit photos or videos online, which can lead to prosecution.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng

Loy Krathong is held on the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar, usually in November. People float small decorated rafts, krathong, on rivers, lakes and the sea to honour the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha and to let go of anger and bad luck. A traditional krathong is made from banana leaves and a slice of banana trunk, decorated with flowers, a candle and incense; if you float one, choose biodegradable materials.

In the north, the Lanna festival of Yi Peng falls at the same time. It is known for sky lanterns, and in Chiang Mai the two festivals have merged into one multi-day celebration. Only lanterns made of natural materials are allowed, and lantern ceremonies expect temple-style clothes, with shoulders and knees covered. The dates move every year with the lunar calendar, so check the current year's programme and book accommodation early. Our Chiang Mai guide has more on the northern celebrations.

How do Thais greet each other?

Thais say สวัสดีครับ (sawatdee khrap) if the speaker is a man and สวัสดีค่ะ (sawatdee kha) if the speaker is a woman. The traditional gesture is the ไหว้ (wai): palms pressed together at chest or face height with a slight bow, held higher to show more respect.

Visitors are not expected to offer a wai first, but returning one is polite; with children, waiters or street vendors, a smile and a nod is enough. People are usually addressed by their first name with the polite title Khun.

Everyday manners

• The head is the highest part of the body: do not touch people's heads, even children's, or pass things over them.
• The feet are the lowest: do not point them at people or Buddha images, and sit with your feet tucked to one side in temples.
• Do not step on the threshold of a doorway, which is traditionally believed to be home to spirits.
• Give, receive and pay with your right hand, and avoid pointing at people with a finger.
• Stay calm. Raising your voice or arguing in public makes everyone lose face; a smile and patience solve far more.

What should you wear at a temple?

Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering temple buildings; shoes you can slip on and off easily help. A light scarf covers bare shoulders in a moment. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is stricter: shorts, mini skirts, sleeveless tops, see-through clothes and flip-flops are not allowed.

Do not climb on Buddha images or pose in ways that could look disrespectful. Women should not touch monks, sit next to them on public transport or hand things to them directly; place an offering within reach instead.

Many temples have shrines and offerings for luck and protection; our guide to lucky symbols and beliefs explains what they mean.

Respect for the monarchy

The Thai monarchy is deeply respected and protected by strict laws. Speak respectfully about the royal family, treat images of the King, including on banknotes, with care, and stand when the royal anthem is played, for example before films in cinemas.