| Topic | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Royal family, politics | Listen, stay neutral | Jokes, criticism, online posts |
| Temple | Shoulders and knees covered, shoes off | Beachwear, pointing feet at an image |
| Body | Greet with the wai, hands together | Touching a person's head, showing your soles |
| Buddha images | Stay discreet, respect worshippers | Disrespectful poses, selfies on the statue |
Royal family and politics
The guides read agree: do not joke about the monarchy or criticise it, in public, in private or online. If a Thai person raises the subject, stay quiet or change the topic. Handle royal portraits and banknotes with care, and stand for the royal anthem if you are asked to. Avoid commenting on domestic politics with strangers too. For the other rules to know before leaving, see before you go to Phuket: laws and safety.
Temples and Buddha images
Shoulders and knees covered for everyone, according to the guides; some temples lend sarongs, others refuse entry. Take off your shoes before entering the main building. Do not sit with your feet pointing at a Buddha image or a person, and do not mock a ceremony. To visit with a guide, see the Big Buddha and Old Town.
Everyday gestures
Do not touch anyone's head, even a child's, and avoid showing the soles of your feet. Speak calmly: raising your voice makes people lose face. A few words help you start well: see useful phrases in Phuket.
For a guided visit of Wat Chalong and the Old Town, open the activity page; check the price and cancellation terms for your dates.
La rédaction Phuket Authority, information from October 2026.
