Trip this sunday

[Guest]

Hi all. I'm 24 and travelling to Thailand on Sunday (2days) for the first time. I'm going with a friend who i will try and escape from at some point so i can visit NEP etc. I was wondering if there are any definate no no's over in Thai. Could someone just give me a few pointers so my 2 week trip is all the more better. Things like drinking the water over there. Or getting ripped off by taxis. Any advice would be great.

Cheers

[PigDogg]

You might consider using the dual hotel system and getting a cheap hotel near NEP instead of using the shorttime rooms. Nana Hotel, Dynasty, and Grand Inn all very inexpenisve.

You can buy big containers of water for 6 or 7 or 7 baht. I brush my teeth with bottled water too.

Tell the taxi driver to use the meter or get out. Say meter or point to it if he doesn't start it.

Have fun bro!

[BAM]

The first time is always the best time!

[Guest]

You will have a blast.

What PigDogg says is right. I personally do not brush my teeth with bottled water but only drink it when bottled (ensure the seal is not broken).

Some cultural things your should be aware of.

1. Never say anything bad about the monarchy as you will find your self in strife.
2. Don't touch a Thai on the head as this is considered the most spiritual part of the body (in the confines of your bedroom is OK).
3. If you go into someones home or shop and you see shoes out the front then remove yours before entering.
4. Do not lose your temper and always smile even when frustrated or upset this will go along way to help solve your problem. Thais do not like to lose face!

I eat quite often at the street vendors with no problems. I usually look to see where the locals are eating. If you see someone take their kids to eat there then it is probably fine for you too as nobody wants their kids getting sick right?

[BAM]

Don't bring any drugs into Thailand
Don't do any drugs while in Thailand
Don't bring any drugs out of Thailand

Do fuck as many Girls as you can
Do fuck as many Ladyboys as you can
Do fuck 2 or more girls at the same time at Eden's

[Guest]

Don't jesture or point toward anyone with your foot or feet. I've been told that one should not even sit with his legs crossed so that the sole of the foot or toes is pointed toward someone.
I would not even step over someone if they were sitting on the sidewalk. Go around them. The feet are the dirtiest part of the body, this is why you shouldn't do those things. This is the same in most all Asian countries.

[Adam Clayton Powell]

Both Mahayana Buddhism (practiced in China, Vietnam, Burma, Tibet, and a few other nations) and Theravada Buddhism (practiced in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and most of Sri Lanka) hold the concept of the human head in reverence and and the exhibition of the human foot in contempt.
Even Japanese Shintoism shares some features of these Buddhist denominations/sects/cults, etc.

[janabiyah]

Bought a pair of pants in Robinsons. While the Saleslady was down on her knees measuring the length and marking where to cut, she suddenly recoiled and got to her feet.

Anyway, my hand had accidently brushed against her head and I hadnt even noticed it the time. It took a few seconds for me to comprehend what had happened.

After apologising to her and explaining that it was an accident, things seemed to be ok again

I guess the incident turned out to be a bit of an ice breaker and we got on fine after that.

However, I wouldnt recommend that any newbies try this, remember, we are trained professionals.

[daveduke007]

and whatever you do, if you ever drop money on the the floor,
NEVER try stopping it with your foot, a definate no no
coz your stamping on the king, and thais hold their king and royal family with very great esteem

dave..