Parlez Vous

Too be fair this blog has nothing to do with France, but very much to do with Asia and in particular Thailand. For some reason and I have no idea why but quite a few of my recent Tailor made packages have involved Thailand. I suppose having lived there myself in the past I do have passion for Asia and especially Thailand. It is an amazing part of the world and one of the friendliest. However there are quite a few traditions and certain ways that us westerners may not know that can be very insulting to the Asian community.

Trust me I have made most of these faux pas !

Take a look at some of these easily made faux pas

1. Pointing with your finger

Using your index finger to show where something (and especially someone) is, can be considered very rude in many cultures, and can even imply that you are picking a fight. Alternatives range from open palm gestures in countries like Japan, to pursing your lips in the direction you are referring to in places like the Philippines and Colombia.

2. Flushing toilet paper

Many toilets around the world can’t handle toilet paper, and instead a bin beside the toilet is provided for you to discard your used paper. Flushing it is a force of habit for those of us used to it, but this could actually block the toilet or the sewage system.

3. Wearing your shoes indoors

Shoes in many countries, especially in Asian ones, are considered very dirty due to everything they are in contact with outside. In many places – homes, temples and some businesses – there is an area just before or after the entrance reserved for leaving your shoes. Sometimes there are replacement slippers, while other times it’s OK to walk around in your socks. Don’t forget this or you could be seen as unhygienic.

4. Blowing your nose in public

In Taiwan and Japan, it’s not uncommon to see many people wearing face masks and even hygienic gloves any time they are out of the house. As such, obvious nose blowing will have people recoiling. Even the idea of a handkerchief can be considered quite filthy. It’s better to excuse yourself and go to the bathroom.

5. Leaving chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice

In many Asian countries, rice can be one of the major dishes and there is quite a lot of etiquette around how you use chopsticks when eating. They should never be left on opposite sides of the plate, crossed, used to pull your bowl closer or left upright. Leaving them upright in the rice represents a Japanese funeral rite.

6. Touching things with your left hand

In many countries, such as India, the left hand is reserved for ‘bathroom necessities’. (Visitors to the country may want to bring their own toilet paper with them everywhere if they don’t want to partake in this custom!) As such, people will be disgusted if they see you picking up food with your left hand, or offering them that hand to shake, regardless of how clean you may keep it.

7. Your head: The head is sacred, even in Bangkok. Never touch or pass something over someone’s head.

8. The Royal family: Pay your respects; it’s the law. At movie theatres, BTS stations or even Chatuchak Market, you must stop what you are doing and stand up when the Song for His Majesty the King or Thai national anthem is played. Never ever damage or draw on his picture.

Good luck and remember is your not sure just smile and smile some more that will go a long way 🙂