Dos and don’ts in Thailand and Laos

Laos Fertility would like to offer travelers to Thailand and Laos a few dos and don’ts. We feel this information would help travelers better understand the Thai and Lao people and their beautiful culture and make their travel experience a wonderful memory.

First, we suggest that travelers refrain from using loud voices, calling attention to themselves, pointing at individuals or things, dropping or throwing things, and using large hand gestures. These all seem impolite or even graceless to the Thai and Lao sensibility. Laos Fertility recommends that travelers use modes of communication that are quiet, subtle, and indirect. This is much better than being too flamboyant, noticeable, or direct.

We understand that the monarchy in Thailand is highly respected and travelers to Thailand should also be respectful of the Thai monarchy. In Laos the government is different but practice the same beliefs. Never use derogatory remarks or jokes about the royal family. Thai and Lao people will not appreciate it and travelers will not earn the respect of the Thai and Lao people but instead looked down on. Thai people love their king, the late HM King Bhumibol. He was the longest reigning king in their history. If travelers want to know why Thai people love their king so much, they can ask them in a polite manner.

Laos Fertility recommends that travelers refrain from public displays of sexual affection. This is unacceptable in Thailand and in Laos. Even though times are changing, especially with the younger generation, shows of sexual affection in public are still looked down upon. Thai and Lao people are particularly offended by public nudity. Though Thailand gets a bad rap in the news because of the sex industry, it is actually a very small part of Thai society. Thai and Lao people are conservative and a polite man should not touch a woman in public.

We know that in most Asian cultures people never wear shoes in their homes, in some shops, and especially never in a temple. Thais are no different. They never wear shoes in their house. They think this is a very dirty thing to do. Laos Fertility suggests if travelers are not sure if they have to remove their shoes before entering an establishment, they should look to see if there is a pile of shoes at the entrance.

We know that travelers should always show respect for Thai and Lao religious symbols and rituals. Travelers should never touch a Thai or Lao person’s spirit house or any household Buddhist alters. Thais would feel very bad if travelers did so, and would feel that travelers have no respect for them and their religious beliefs.

In Thailand and in Laos, woman should never touch a Buddhist monk or hand things to him in a direct way. Travelers will notice when Thai or Lao women give monks offerings, they always kneel with their heads slightly lowered and sit below the monk receiving the offering. Even though women are never alone with monks, Thai and Lao people do believe that polite conversation with a monk is acceptable. We want travelers to remember that Thai and Lao Buddhist monks, even child monks, are much respected and should be treated in such a manner.

Finally, Laos Fertility recommends that travelers never stare directly into the eyes of Thai or Lao people for a long time. They may be smiling at you, but it is still not recommended that you look into their eyes for too long. In rural parts of Thailand and in Laos, they believe that if one stares too long into the eyes of another, it is considered a very rude gesture and they may actually react in a heated manner to such a rude insult. Travelers will notice that when Thai or Lao people speak, most of them will not look directly at the other person. Their eye-to-eye contact is short and brief. Additionally, in Thailand, Phu Nawy (‘little’ people) often keep their head bowed when conversing with Phu Yai (‘big’ people) as a sign of respect.

We hope that these dos and don’ts will help every traveler to Thailand and Laos understand the Thai and Lao people more. Regardless if you are traveling to Thailand or to Laos for fertility treatment or just for a vacation, we want your trip to Thailand or Laos to be a memorable one.

Laos Fertility wants to help you realize your dreams. Let us help bring your baby home to you.

Our Team in Laos and Thailand

We have a fully staffed and very capable team in Laos and in Thailand including a Patient Manager, recruiters, and nurses who care for our surrogate mothers. Feel free to explore our website. You will find extremely informative information on our services. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime. You can call us at +66 61-946-5995. You can also send us an e-mail at info@laosfertility.com or contact us here http://laosfertility.com/contact-us/

Laos Fertility wants to help you realize your dreams. Let us help bring your baby home to you.