| Bangkok's culture dates back to many centuries that | | | | shoes removed when entering certain areas in the |
| it is said that archeological excavations in the area | | | | temples. |
| north of Nakorn Ratchasima indicate that there were | | | | For Bangkokians, the maintenance of surface calm |
| people living here over 4000 years ago. Monarchy | | | | and harmony is crucial. Loss of temper, arguing, or |
| played a major role in the medieval times. But now | | | | direct criticism are best avoided among them, |
| Thailand has a rich bout of democracy with its own | | | | because they feel it serves little purpose in any case. |
| constitution. | | | | The famous wai is a used as a gesture for both |
| The Bangkokians are a bunch of warm and friendly | | | | greeting and respect. Wai requires the person to use |
| people, usually too polite to show offense. Yet, as | | | | both of his hands as if praying in front of his face. In |
| with any nation, there are borders of behavior that | | | | general, it is considered to be a mark of respect to |
| should and should not be crossed. They take great | | | | try to keep the head at a lower level than that of a |
| pride in their monarchy. Visitors are well-advised to | | | | senior or older person when talking to or passing |
| respect the reverence in which devoted Bangkokians | | | | them. On entering a private chamber or house, it is |
| hold their royal family. The Buddhist religion is | | | | customary to remove your shoes. The polite form of |
| considered sacred by Bangkokians. Monks, temples, | | | | address when talking to or about people of similar or |
| and Buddha images are everywhere and most of the | | | | older age are to use the title "Khun" and the person's |
| people treat them with great respect. It is expected | | | | first name. |
| that appropriate clothing be worn in temples, and | | | | |