So when you are in Thailand, please also be sensitive to the local, Thai manners. Though we are tourists, I believe if you treat them with respect in their Thai ways, the same will be reciporated back to us.
Remember:
Do not insult or be critical about their King. Thai holds the utmost respect for the King. Reference recent case of the video on YouTube on Thai King. The uproar is tremendous.
Show respect to the monks. Remember. Thailand is a mainly a Buddist country. Monks are actually higher class than commoners.
Putting on a Smile
In Thailand, almost everything in life involves a smile, even blunders and mishaps. Westerners often mistake this for being laughed at. For example, if a waitress forgets an order and laughs, she is not showing contempt, just making the best of a bad situation. If you complain, do so gracefully as anger usually gets you nowhere.
Dressing for the Occasion
Cleanliness and neatness are also important. In tropical Thailand, never put off showering or doing your laundry. Most Thais keep themselves scrupulously clean and dress respectably. T-shirts, sandals and knee-length shorts are suitable for informal occasions, but visits to palaces, government offices and some temples usually require something more appropriate. Nudity is forbidden, and topless bathing can offend, even though it is tolerated on some tourist beaches.
Showing Respect
The head is high and the feet are low, both physically and spiritually. Never touch anyone’s head, and avoid gesturing (especially towards a Buddha image), moving things and touching people with your feet, even if you do see people doing it to their friends. Before entering a temple or a person’s home, remove your shoes. Someone told me even touching a kid's head as a gesture that he is so cute is also frown and not taken
Good Table Manners
Shared meals are served in separate dishes with serving spoons. If someone invites you to eat, use the serving spoons to put food on your plate, not your personal spoon. Take small amounts of all the food instead of keeping one kind for yourself. Using a toothpick after the meal is acceptable if you cover your mouth with one hand.
Table Manners
Click on this link. http://www.phuket.com/dining/howto.htmEspecially on who pick the tab, leaving food on the dish, taking portion on more than you eat. Placement of chopsticks etc.
Common Thai Manners:
http://www.1stopphuket.com/culture/etiquette/
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html
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