Moving to a new, foreign country is a daunting task which many expats find very overwhelming. At Asia Expat Guides, we understand your concerns and your specific needs as an expat. We routinely share articles and expat tips about moving to Asia at http://asiaexpatguides.com/expat-tips/. In this particular slide, we compile our top picks of Japanese cuisine for new expats in Japan. For expat tips about moving to Asia, go to http://asiaexpatguides.com/expat-tips/.

1. Social Etiquette in Thailand
A Guide for New Expats in Thailand
By: Asia Expat Guides

2. • The wai is putting both palms together and holding them toward
your chest. The wai is very important in Thailand. It is not simply a
way of saying hello without saying a word. It is merely an action of
respect and expression of inequality between people, but
overusing it devalues its meaning. Wais are appropriate to give to
monks, the king, elders, and bosses, while handshakes are usually
between equals.
• When it comes to wai, the inferior always initiates it, and the
superior may or may not return it. Watch for the “wai” level of the
hand toward the head as it indicates the level of respect to others.
When you’re in Thailand, do not wai
servants, laborers, children, or other people of an obviously lower
social status than your own.

3. • In Thailand, a smile is very powerful. It can be used as a powerful
way to excuse oneself from embarrassments to others, and it can
be also used in appreciation for good service at a restaurant or
shop. When you greet children, don’t wai; give them a nice smile
on the face and you will make that child happy for some time.
• A Thai’s smile shows friendliness, not friendship. A smile or a wai is
usually the correct gesture for repairing minor breaches of
etiquette. It can also be used to excuse conduct that will require
elaborate explanation and possibly monetary compensation. A
smile can also demonstrate your embarrassment and defuse a
potentially explosive situation. As an expat in Thailand, a genuine
smile on your face will save you a lot of trouble!

4. • In Thailand, some gestures are considered offensive, so you should
try your best to avoid it. For example, when talking to a Thai, do
not wave your hands in an attempt to make yourself understood.
When you’re in a restaurant, do not clap, snap your fingers, or hiss
at wait staff. The correct way to get their attention is to
beckon, palm down, moving the fingers rapidly toward yourself.
Then, in the presence of a monk, you should not cross your legs
when sitting on the floor or in a chair.

5. • When you receive a gift from a Thai friend or business partner, set
it aside to open later. Gifts are to be opened in private and not in
front of the giver. Also, remember to deliver your gifts in person
because Thais do not usually acknowledge gifts sent by mail or
messenger.

6. Such cultural differences are the reason why expats face culture
shock upon arriving in Thailand. They fail to adjust comfortable to
their new surroundings and this affects their stay in their new
country.
At Asia Expat Guides, we will ensure that you are equipped with
the necessary information about Thailand before moving there.
Besides introducing you to the local places, food and your living
area, we will also offer you the relevant language class so that you
will be able to speak the Thai fluently, and minimize the impact of
culture shock.
So worry no more. Just concentrate on having a good time in
Thailand and leave all your burdens to us!

7. For more information about
being an expat in Asia, visit
http://asiaexpatguides.com