Tipping in Thailand
Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand but is appreciated. Thailand is not a heavy tipping culture like the US. Small tips show appreciation and go a long way for service workers whose base pay is often low.
If service charge (10%) is included, no additional tip needed. At local eateries, rounding up or leaving 20-40 THB change is appreciated.
Per bag carried. 50 THB at luxury hotels. Leave 20-50 THB daily for housekeeping on the pillow or bedside table.
Round up to the nearest 10 or 20 THB. For example, if the fare is 87 THB, give 100 THB. Not expected but always appreciated.
50 THB for a standard 1-hour massage. 100 THB for 2-hour or oil massage. Up to 200 THB at high-end spas for exceptional service.
Per person per day for group tours. For private tours, 300-500 THB. Boat drivers on island tours: 50-100 THB.
For Grab Food, LINE MAN, or Foodpanda deliveries. 20 THB is standard. Can tip in-app or give cash.
Leave change or round up. At cocktail bars or when bartenders make something special, 50-100 THB is generous.
50 THB for a basic cut. 100 THB for color, treatment, or if you are very happy with the result.
Never touch anyone on the head, even children. The head is considered the highest and most sacred part of the body in Thai culture.
Always remove shoes before entering homes, temples, and some shops. Look for a pile of shoes at the entrance as a cue. When in doubt, ask or observe what others do.
Cover shoulders and knees. No revealing clothing, no see-through fabrics. Some temples provide wraps at the entrance if needed. Hats should be removed inside temple buildings.
The Royal Anthem plays before every movie in cinemas and twice daily (8:00 AM and 6:00 PM) at public venues. Always stand respectfully. It lasts about one minute.
Feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Never point your feet at people, Buddha images, or temples. When sitting on the floor, tuck your feet behind you.
Pointing at people or things with your index finger is rude. Use your whole hand (palm up) to gesture or indicate direction instead.
Spoon in right hand, fork in left
Thais eat with a spoon (main utensil) and use the fork to push food onto the spoon. Chopsticks are only for noodle soups.
Shared dishes are the norm
Thai meals are communal. Order several dishes to share. Take a little at a time from shared plates to your personal rice plate.
Eldest or host pays
The senior person or whoever invited usually pays the bill. Splitting the bill (AA) is becoming more common among younger Thais but is not traditional.
Wait for everyone
Don't start eating until the most senior person at the table begins, or until you're invited to start.
Don't waste food
Leaving a lot of food on your plate can be seen as wasteful. Order what you can eat, and it is fine to take leftovers.
Exchange business cards with both hands
Present and receive cards with both hands. Take a moment to read the card before putting it down respectfully. Never write on someone's card.
Address people by title + first name
Use Khun (คุณ) + first name. Example: Khun Somchai. Thais rarely use surnames in conversation.
Avoid confrontation
"Saving face" is paramount. Never publicly criticize, raise your voice, or cause someone embarrassment. Discuss issues privately and diplomatically.
Punctuality
Be on time for business meetings, though your Thai counterpart may be flexible with timing. Traffic is always a valid excuse in Pattaya and Bangkok.
Dress professionally
Business attire is expected even in the heat. Long pants and collared shirts for men. Conservative professional wear for women.
Do
Smile often -- Thailand is the Land of Smiles
Don't
Don't lose your temper publicly (major loss of face)
Do
Return the wai greeting respectfully
Don't
Don't touch monks (women especially must avoid contact)
Do
Speak softly and remain calm
Don't
Don't badmouth the Royal Family (illegal and deeply offensive)
Do
Ask before photographing people or monks
Don't
Don't step on money (it has the King's image)
Do
Learn a few Thai phrases (locals love it!)
Don't
Don't show too much affection in public
Do
Bargain politely with a smile
Don't
Don't sunbathe topless (illegal on Thai beaches)