Greetings, shoes, queuing, politeness – what caught you off guard?
For me, living here in the rural countryside of Isan, one custom that took a bit of getting used to was how deeply ingrained indirect communication and saving face are in daily life.
People will rarely say a direct "no" to your face. Instead, you get a gentle smile, a nod, or a vague "maybe tomorrow," even when the actual answer is a clear no. At first, it can be a bit confusing for a straightforward Finn, but once you learn to read between the lines, you realize it's all about keeping the peace and avoiding any conflict or discomfort.
Another small daily thing that caught me off guard initially was taking off shoes everywhere—not just at homes, but often in small family-run shops, offices, and pharmacies too!
What about you all? What was the most surprising custom or cultural difference when you first arrived in Thailand? 👇