- Meal times
- Thais eat throughout the day. Breakfast is often light from 7-9 AM, lunch typically between 12-2 PM, and dinner from 6-9 PM. Street food stalls operate flexibly, with many open from early morning until late at night.
- Tipping
- Tipping is not traditional in Thailand. Service charges are sometimes added to restaurant bills. For street food or small eateries, rounding up a few baht is appreciated but not expected. No need to tip taxi drivers unless they go above and beyond.
- Water
- Tap water is generally not safe for drinking. Always drink bottled water. Ice cubes are usually safe as they are commercially produced by ice companies.
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarians and vegans should specify 'gin jay' (eating vegetarian) or 'mai sai neua' (no meat) and 'mai sai nam pla' (no fish sauce). While often accommodating, cross-contamination is common in street stalls. Fresh fruits and ice cubes are generally safe from reputable vendors and ice companies.
- Payment
- Cash is king for street food stalls, small markets, and local eateries. Credit cards are widely accepted at larger restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls.
- Etiquette
- A 'wai' (bow with palms pressed together) is the common greeting and sign of respect; return it, but generally, wait for an elder or higher-status person to initiate. Eat with a spoon and fork, using the fork to push food onto the spoon. Avoid pointing with your feet or touching anyone's head.