What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Udon Thani?

We asked people in Udon Thani if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"In Udon Thani, it is considered disrespectful to touch someone's head as it is regarded as the most sacred part of the body. Avoid pointing your feet at people or religious objects, as feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. It's also considered rude to step over someone's legs or feet, so always walk around. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in more traditional or rural areas like Udon Thani. It's best to keep affectionate gestures private. When visiting temples or other religious sites, dress modestly. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should also dress respectfully. Avoid showing anger or frustration in public. The Thai people value a calm and cool demeanor, and public outbursts can be seen as embarrassing and disrespectful. It's considered impolite to criticize the Thai royal family. This is not only a cultural faux pas, but it's also illegal and can result in severe penalties. Avoid interrupting or contradicting someone while they are speaking. It's seen as disrespectful and can cause the person to lose face. When eating, don't stick your fork directly into your mouth. Instead, use it to push food onto your spoon. Finally, always show respect to monks. Women should never touch a monk or hand something directly to them. If a woman needs to give something to a monk, she should pass it to a man first or place it in front of the monk for him to pick up," explained one expat living in Udon Thani, Thailand.

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