Sustainability Do’s and Don’ts (Thailand)
Sustainability Do’s and Don’ts (Thailand)
Dos:
- Remove your shoes before entering your local homes, or any temple buildings; look for a pile of shoes at the entrance as a cue.
- Dress modestly in public areas and temples; ensure your shoulders and knees are covered (swimwear is strictly for the beach or pool).
- Return the "Wai" (the prayer-like gesture) with a smile if a staff member greets you this way, as it shows mutual respect.
- Always say "Khop khun" (thank you) to hotel staff, drivers, and servers; expressing gratitude is highly valued in Thai culture and fosters a positive atmosphere during your stay.
- Reuse towels and linens by participating in the "Think first think earth Let's save It" programme to signal you don't need a daily change, saving significant water and energy.
- Practise proper waste segregation by using the designated bins for recyclables and general waste.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce the massive amount of single-use plastic waste.
- Support local artisans by buying souvenirs from community markets rather than mass-produced to ensure your money stays local.
- Appreciate and protect native plants; avoiding the removal of flowers or seeds helps maintain the micro-ecosystems that support urban wildlife.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based like zinc oxide) before swimming to protect fragile coral reefs from toxic chemicals like oxybenzone.
Don’ts:
Don't touch anyone’s head, including children; it is considered the most sacred part of the body and touching it is a major taboo.
- Don't point your feet at people, Buddha images, or the King’s portrait; feet are seen as the lowest part of the body.
- Don't disrespect the Monarchy; avoid making jokes or negative comments about the Royal Family, as it is both offensive and carries legal penalties.
- Don't smoke or use cannabis in prohibited areas; smoking is banned on beaches and in public spaces, and cannabis use is restricted to private areas and licensed venues only.
- Don't leave the air conditioning on when you leave your room; cooling an empty room is the single biggest waste of energy in Thai hotels.
- Don't dispose of sanitary products or wet wipes down the toilet; please use the provided bins to prevent blockages and protect local water systems.
- Don't buy illegal animal products; avoid purchasing ivory, tortoise shell, or items made from protected species, as these support poaching and are illegal to export.
- Don't feed wildlife, especially monkeys or fish; this disrupts their natural diet, makes them aggressive, and causes ecological imbalance.
- Don't take shells or coral from the beach; it is illegal to export these, and removing them deprives the ecosystem of vital calcium and habitat.