Thai dating culture: etiquette tips for dating in Thailand

Dating in Thailand is a lot like dating anywhere: be kind, be curious and be yourself. But a few cultural habits can make a big difference to how you come across, especially if you are new to Thailand or dating someone from a different background. Here’s what’s worth knowing.

Greetings and the wai

The wai, a slight bow with your palms pressed together, is the traditional Thai greeting. On a date, a smile and a “sawasdee” (hello) is usually enough. If someone wais you, it’s polite to return it. Younger people generally wai first to show respect to someone older.

Men end polite sentences with khrap and women with kha. Using them, even in a simple “khob khun khrap” (thank you), shows warmth and respect.

Nicknames are normal

Almost everyone in Thailand has a short nickname, such as Ploy, Bank, Mint or Fon, that friends and family use every day. Formal first names can be long, so don’t be surprised if your date introduces themselves with a nickname. Asking what it means is a nice conversation starter.

Kreng jai: being considerate

Kreng jai is the feeling of not wanting to impose on or inconvenience someone. In dating, it means a Thai partner might not tell you directly that they’re tired, hungry, or would prefer a different restaurant. Ask gentle, open questions (“What would you like to eat?”) and pay attention to small signals.

Keep calm and save face

Thai culture values staying calm, sometimes described as jai yen yen (keep a cool heart). Raising your voice, arguing in public or embarrassing someone in front of others makes everyone lose face. If something goes wrong, deal with it quietly and privately.

Public affection

Holding hands is common in cities, but kissing and heavy affection in public are still frowned upon by many people, especially outside Bangkok and around family. Take your cue from your date.

Who pays on a date?

Traditionally the man pays on early dates, and many people still expect that. Among younger people in big cities, splitting the bill is increasingly normal. The safest approach is to offer to pay, and if your date insists on sharing or paying, accept graciously rather than arguing about it.

Family comes first

Family is central in Thai life. Your partner may live with their parents, call home often, and help support their family. Meeting the family is a significant step and usually comes after you are in a committed relationship. Bring a small gift such as fruit or sweets, dress neatly, and greet older relatives with a wai.

If a relationship becomes serious, some families expect a sin sod, a traditional gift to the bride’s family at an engagement. Customs vary widely between families and regions, so talk about it openly with your partner when the time comes.

Real affection is never conditional on money early on. If anyone asks you for money before you’ve met, that’s a warning sign: read our guide to spotting dating scams.

Temples, the head and the feet

• Cover your shoulders and knees when you visit a temple, and take your shoes off before entering a hall.
• Women should not touch monks or hand things directly to them.
• The head is considered the highest part of the body, so avoid touching someone’s head, even playfully.
• The feet are the lowest. Don’t point your feet at people or at images of the Buddha, and don’t step over food.

Respect for the monarchy

The Thai royal family is deeply respected, and Thai law protects it. Avoid jokes or casual criticism, and stand for the royal anthem when it plays, for example before films in cinemas.

Messaging: LINE is king

Most Thais use LINE rather than WhatsApp. Swapping LINE IDs is a common sign that things are going well. Take your time with this step: keep chatting on ThaiLovely until you’ve met and feel comfortable.

The short version

Smile, be patient, stay calm, and be generous with your attention. Courtesy goes a long way in Thailand. When you’re ready to plan a date, see our ideas for Bangkok and Chiang Mai.