How Do You Practice Thai Buddhist Monastery Etiquette?
• Wear modest clothing.In general, everywhere between the elbows and ankles should be covered at a minimum, with a modest neckline. Showy clothing is not appropriate. In Thai culture, black is a funeral colour, so dressing in all black is not advised. Long shirts and long skirts or long trousers in plain colours are recommended, especially in higher-ranking or stricter temples. Other places may be slightly more relaxed, and you may even see Thais wearing shorts, but modesty is still appreciated. • Don’t wear flashy jewelery. Showy jewelery or other overt displays of wealth are unacceptable. • Do not climb on, touch, or pose to take pictures with buddha-images, no matter how old, broken or well-cared for. • Take off your shoes before entering any building. Don’t be surprised if your shoes are ‘borrowed’ at a larger monastery with many entrances…just wait patiently and they will be returned. • Do not point your feet at the buddha-image, or at anyone else. • Women must not touch, be alo
