You can do many things wrong in Thailand and get away with it. But things considered sacred by the Thais should be treated with proper respect and you should try not to upset anyone by improper behavior. Behaving disrespectfully in a temple or to a monk is absolutely taboo.

The Thai Buddhist temple, the Wat, can be very simple or really extravagant. In some cases it may only consist of a Bot, the central hall of any Wat, which shelters the main Buddha image. So what are the different parts of the Wat?

The Bot

Some parts of the Wat are more sacred than others. The central part where the main Buddha image is to be found is called the Bot. You have to take off your shoes before entering the Bot as well as when you enter the Sala and the monk's quarters. You should also try to step over thresholds, not on them.

The Bo Tree

The Bo Tree is usually very easy to recognize by its vast size and due to the fact that it's often clothed in a saffron robe wrapped around its trunk. The reason for this tree being sacred is that the Buddha attained enlightenment while sitting under one. Please don't allow your children to climb in it!

The Sala

A place for people to gather for social functions and ceremonies such as the Sukhwan Nak, the ritual preceding ordination as a monk.

Useful tips for those who are considering a visit

Ambience

You might be surprised by the ambience in a Wat. As a Christian you might think that you have to be very quiet. But Buddhist worship is an individual thing and there's always some kind of social activity going on inside the Wat. Don't be surprised to find people , including monks, smoking cigarettes, drinking tea, eating something or just quietly chatting during a sermon while others sit in devoted attention. Spittoons are usually placed on the floor and should be used for saliva, cigarettes and general rubbish.

Sitting

One problem might be the fact that there are no places to sit. High seats were, in traditional society, reserved for royalty. Many people still eat and sleep on the floor. The most comfortable way of sitting is with your legs crossed. But while in the Bot you should rather assume the respect position with the legs tucked under your body.

Dress

Normal dress is ok. It should however be respectable. Sometimes women in trousers and men and women in shorts and t-shirts can be refused. This is rare but it can happen.

Women

Women are permitted everywhere but they should only enter the monks' houses under special circumstances.