The do's and don'ts of travel in Thailand are relatively simple; they are the same for everybody else, including LGBT ๐ฉ๐ There are a few specific LGBT-centered things I will mention below, but don't worry; these are not difficult to remember.
The first thing to realize is that Thailand is an LGBTQ+ travel paradise ๐จ๐ Following simple rules will make planning your trip to Thailand an excellent experience.
Thailand has a unique culture in that they do things differently than other parts of Asia ๐จ๐ Many paradoxes in Thai culture may not immediately make sense, but challenging these is not the goal.
The aim is to be aware of specific rules and work those into your attitude to avoid problems while traveling in Thailand as an LGBT ๐ฉ๐ We try to tell them here in the spirit of setting expectations.
Thailand is safe and friendly for LGBT travelers. Remember a few simple rules to help you get around without attracting unwanted attention ๐จ๐ Thailand is a more conservative country than the freedom to be lesbian, gay, bi, or transgender might lead you to believe.
Due to Thailand being a conservative country, lesbians seem slightly left out. Women are expected to be more modest than men, so there is no particular attention ๐ฉ๐ Lesbians fly entirely under the cultural radar, just being themselves if respectful to society.
Gays, on the other hand, are regarded as different. All wholly accept them, but there are businesses and areas especially for the entertainment of gay men. Male transgender travelers experience slightly more intimate attention because "ladyboys" are a fascinating part of the intimate scene in Thailand ๐จ๐ But for all, there are a few things to do and don't in Thailand for LGBT.
Appropriately dressing is a big deal in Thailand. This does not mean you have to dress up all the time. Still, a respectable appearance is significant in temples. Farang (Western foreigners) are generally accepted for their look ๐ฉ๐ There is no class distinction in a dress like in traditional Thai society.
However, Thais recognize you as tourists and know casual clothing is part of the relaxed tourism experience in Thailand ๐จ๐ But Thais also demand respect for their culture, and underdressing in temples is offensive to their religion.
"Wai" hand gesture looks like praying and is presented upon greeting someone, particularly officials and someone elder ๐จ๐ However, as a foreigner, you are only sometimes expected to give a Wai to some. Refrain from Wai to people in a staff or service role.
To return one out of politeness, quickly make the gesture, and do not raise your hands to more than your middle. Moreover, it would help to greet your partner's or friends' family members (except children) with a wai at chest level ๐ฉ๐ Somebody's mom, dad, and family elders should get one at face level with their heads bowed. Incorporate settings always greet managers and above with a chest-high wai and a slight bow.
This does not mean going and getting an online language course, but instead, just trying to say some simple things ๐จ๐ For example, learning the "Hello' greeting Sawasdee krap (male) or Sawasdee ka (female). In the shops, asking "how much" in Thai helps. They will likely answer you in English, get the calculator, and show you the amount.
In addition, a perfect one is when you say "How are you?" in Thai, "Sabadee mai kap," and if asked this, say "Sabai, Sabai" ๐ฉ๐ This is a way of saying "fine." Like going to France or anywhere, just trying to say something in the local language makes people think you care.
Use a spoon in your right hand and load your spoon using the fork with your left. When served a communal dish to share, take small portions onto your plate instead of your entire portion at once ๐ฉ๐ Pass things with your right hand. The left is considered "dirty," like in Arab cultures.
Eating out of the same bowl and with your hands in family settings is customary. If you are eating out in the countryside, don't be surprised with a roll of toilet paper for napkins ๐จ๐ And in people's houses, be ready to sit on the floor for meals!
Taking off your shoes sounds simple, but many people in the West take them off in the house anyway. But it is surprisingly hard to get used to, and if you are wearing shoes with laces, it is sometimes tedious ๐ฉ๐ And people will get offended if this is not an automatic action. Your partner will be exceptionally sharp to remind you not to forget again.
If you don't, other dos might get an eye-roll, and you might get turned away at prominent temples ๐จ๐ But a Farang not taking off their shoes before entering somebody's house can get a stiff rebuke. Especially if it is someone, you know.
๐ณ๏ธ๐ Quick Trivia!
Thailand has rich customs and traditions that all tourists must accept and respect. Some of these might feel weird, such as avoiding touching someone's head, pointing things with food, etc.
This is also a lot like the cultural rule in Arab countries. Like there, the bottom of your feet is considered the lowest part of your body and "dirty" ๐จ๐ Pointing your feet at people or images of Buddha in temples is even regarded as impolite.
Paradoxically, all this is not so offensive if you sit cross-legged on the floor. The main point is the intent. Sitting in that position makes it impossible not to show or point your feet ๐ฉ๐ The offense is taken only when you do so negligently.
The lese majeste laws in Thailand are some of the strictest in the world. Doing so, especially in public, will get you in legal trouble, not just have your eyes roll or be told off ๐ฉ๐ It is probably a good idea to avoid the subject entirely. But even if it comes up in family discussions, don't say anything that could even remotely be considered disrespectful.
In the West, it can be seen as a gesture of endearment to pat someone on the head. But that is a big no-no in Thailand. Conversely, the head is thought of as the highest point of one's body and, by extension, the soul ๐จ๐ So, touching other people's heads is looked at as highly disrespectful to that person. This will not get you in any legal trouble, but others will be offended to see it, even if you mean well.
This one can affect LGBT travelers more than others because there is much love between us ๐จ๐ LGBT people are free and accepted in Thailand, but goodwill wears off if there is a perception of disrespect.
Thais get offended If two people engage affectionately or intimately expressively without regard to others. It is seen as negligent behavior toward society and is not limited to LGBT love ๐ฉ๐ LGBT people might get more than the same adverse reaction because we stand out more when doing it, which is the classic definition of unwanted attention.
This is a hard one. So many things can frustrate you in Thailand—airport delays, unexpected fees, disrupted schedules, and sometimes apparent cheats ๐ฉ๐ But raising your voice or shouting, using foul language and rude gestures, will not work with anybody.
Even if you are entirely right about something, you become wrong when you start yelling and expressing anger. It can lead to you being taken to the police station and the actual or alleged wrongdoer ๐จ๐ They will take you there to see you calm down, which is also wise to remember in private arguments with your partner at home.
In addition to the general cultural dos and don'ts that apply to all travelers, some specific considerations for LGBT travelers can enhance their experience and ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some must-dos and don'ts for LGBT travelers:
It ultimately boils down to exercising good judgment. While LGBT travelers typically have positive experiences in Thailand, it's crucial to remember that unforeseen incidents can occur in any destination ๐ฉ๐
Respecting the local customs and traditions is a fundamental principle that should be followed by all travelers, regardless of their sexual orientation. Whether you identify as straight or LGBT, Thailand's travel guidelines apply universally ๐จ๐ We hope this guide is a valuable resource for your upcoming trip to Thailand, enabling you to make the most of your journey and create lasting memories, especially as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Endearment
: a word or expression conveying feelings of love or fondness
Hedonistic
: indulging in sensual pleasure; actively seeking enjoyment and self-gratification
Imposition
: an imposed thing, particularly an unfair or unwelcome demand or burden
Paradox
: a statement or idea that appears illogical or contradictory on the surface but, upon closer examination, may reveal hidden or profound truths
Soliciting
: the act of accosting someone and offering one's or someone else's services as a prostitute
Alex (Transgender Bear)
Jamie (Curious Bear)
Alex (Transgender Bear)