Title: Cross-cultural misunderstanding | Cultural Conflict
Headings: Cross-cultural misunderstanding
Cross-cultural misunderstanding
“When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clifton Fadiman
What is a cross-cultural misunderstanding?
Post navigation

Content: Here are some tips to help you understand more about Thai culture and avoid cultural misunderstandings. Thai greeting – The Wai- The wai is the common form of greeting and adheres to strict rules of protocol. It consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together. Generally, a younger person wais an elder, who returns it
Confrontation – Thai people generally speak softly and avoid confrontation at all costs. Please do not shout or raise your voice. Moreover, losing your temper, or showing strong negative emotions in public is considered a negative behavior
Touching other’s head – In Thailand, your head is considered high; it is the most sacred part of the body, so touching someone’s head is considered rude, impolite and disrespectful. Eating – it is inappropriate to lick you fingers while eating
No shoes inside – it is essential in Thai culture for people to remove their shoes before entering to someone’s house or a temple. Pointing with your feet – the foot is considered the lowest part of the body. Pointing your feet to someone or something or raising your feet higher than someone’s head, using your feet to move anything or touch anyone or simply put your feet on the table is considered extremely rude in Thai culture.