Public criticism of the king and royal family or defamatory remarks are punishable in Thailand with long prison sentences, even against foreigners, including wilful damage of any kind to portraits of the king or his family. The Thai national anthem is played in all public places and on TV at 8am and 6pm. While the national anthem is playing, you stand motionless from start to finish, even as a foreigner, just like the Thais.

If you go to the cinema, the royal anthem is played before the main film, and people stand up from their seats until the anthem ends, as well as when the king or his family appear in public.

In Thailand, the wai is the traditional gesture of greeting. It can be both an act of greeting and an expression of respect, as well as a sign of special thanks or apology.

The wai consists of placing the palms of the hands together. The upper arms remain close to the body without turning the elbows outwards. The joined palms are held vertically close to the body, with the fingertips tilted slightly inwards. The higher the hands are held, the higher the respect of the performer towards the person receiving.

When greeting a respected, seated person, it is good manners to bow the head or make a slight bow at the same time. The greeting can be performed while sitting, standing, walking or even lying down.

    The male greeting is "Sawadee krap", while the female greeting is "Sawadee kaa".

In the area of temples, one must behave respectfully and must observe the prescribed dress code. This is strictly controlled at the main entrance of the Grand Palace, for example.

Also, large Buddha statues should never be climbed for fun or photos. The export, at least of antique Buddha statues, is prohibited by law!