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Dating · Thailand

Don't touch someone's head or point with your feet

In Thailand, the head is sacred and the feet are lowly — never touch a date's head, and never point at them with your feet, even playfully.

ThailandDatingstrictUpdated September 6, 2026

Never reach for your date’s head, even to ruffle their hair or playfully. Keep your feet off furniture and never point them at your partner.

Public displays of affection are also more restrained in Thailand than in the West. Holding hands is fine, but kissing in public is generally frowned upon.

Why it matters

Thai culture holds the head as the most sacred part of the body and the feet as the lowest. Touching someone's head — even affectionately — is deeply disrespectful, and pointing with your feet is a serious insult. On a date, keep these boundaries in mind to avoid offending your partner.

Source: Culture Trip: Thai etiquette

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