Affection between the sexes should not be displayed in public. No holding hands or kissing. Avoid things, people and situations you don't like rather than moan about them or try to change them. Beckon waiters and servants with the hand, palm downwards, fingers straight and waving rapidly. Don't clap, snap fingers or hiss.

Boasting is disliked; don't compare your country and people favorably with Thailand and the Thais. Buddha images should be kept in a high place and treated with great respect. It is against the law to take or send them out of the country except under very special circumstances.

Ceremonies are normally open to everybody; at family ceremonies money is often given, inside an envelope, to the host or placed in the tray provided. Do not wear bright colors to a funeral.

Criticism: Avoid it; if absolutely unavoidable, balance with praise and be very indirect.

Discretion is admired as maturity; if you must do naughty things, do them in private.

Dress your status. Women do not wear shorts or revealing clothing. Eating habits are flexible. Most people eat with a spoon and use a fork to load it. Salt is replaced by the liquid nam pla (fish sauce). During ceremonies always eat after the monks. Inviting to eat is an everyday greeting, the normal reply is 'eaten already'.

Feet must be kept to yourself. Not on the desk. Certainly not pointing at anybody. Do not step over anybody or anybody's food.

Flatter whenever possible, Thais love it.

Fun: The essential ingredient of anything worth doing; have it.

Generosity is the sign of an important person; don't be mean.

Gifts are to be opened in private.

Hair and heads should not be touched. If you do so by accident, excuse yourself.

Introductions are less frequent and more meaningful than in the west. Social inferior is addressed first. Invitations are often less specific than in the west. If attendance and punctuality are important, use a card. If you specifically invite somebody to your house, they expect to eat there.

Laundry: If done by a man, don't be surprised if he refuses to wash a woman's underclothes.

Legs should not he crossed whether sitting on floor or chair in the presence of monks.

Lower the body a little when passing in front of, or between, people.

Monks are the most important people in the country and must be treated with respect at all times. Touching of a monk or his robes by a woman is strictly taboo.

Names: Use a person's first name, not the family name. Adults should be addressed as Khun unless a title is used.

Parties: Dress appropriately; do not wear black unless at funeral.

Pass objects with the right hand, touch left hand to right forearm if extra respect is required. Women never pass directly to monks.

Paying is done after eating/drinking, not before; the inviter pays; if no clear invitation, the superior pays; 'going Dutch' is very rare.

Please: See 'thank you'.

Pointing with fingers is acceptable for objects and animals but not for people.

Relax, take it easy, especially at the beginning of your stay.

Rice is the lifeblood of Thailand; don't throw it away in front of Thais.

Royalty must be treated with the greatest respect; stand up when images of the King or Royal Family appear on the cinema screen.

Shoes come off at the door of the main temple building and at all homes.

Sit in the place you are directed to. Superiors in front, inferiors at the back.

Speak gently, do not raise the voice.

Smile and people will like you. A smile can he used to excuse small inconveniences, to thank for small services and to return the wai of children and servants.

Tempers must be kept.

Thank you, like 'please', is expressed verbally much less frequently in Thai; a smile is often enough. Throwing any object is bad manners.

Titles are always used.

Visiting homes without specific invitation is normal; gifts of fruit, cakes, flowers, etc. are appreciated but not necessary. Shoes off unless requested to keep them on. Casual visitors should be invited to drink and, if mealtime, to eat.

Wai monks,old people and your social superiors. Do not wai servants, labourers and children. The lower the head, the more respect is shown. The inferior initiates the wai. Whatever the wai received, reply with a lesser one.

Walk slightly behind monks and old people.