Most Thais are Buddhists. There are a few Muslims. There is no trouble between these groups mostly, but way down in southern Thailand there is infrequent violence.

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Remember that most Thais earn very little; they are getting by on 100 Baht a day - about £1.20. I never tip less than this. It is little enough to us, but a day's wage to a Thai. Go on, just do it!

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This should always be shown to Thai royalty and monks. Never do anything stupid like lighting a cigarette with a Thai banknote. The King's head is on the note. You have just insulted the King. I once dropped my wallet, and playfully put my foot on it; I thought my Thai girlfriend was about to grab it. Without knowing it, I had caused offence. I had just placed my foot on the king's image. They will not get nasty with you. They know that you don’t know. It was very diplomatically explained to me.

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Neither of the islands are malarial. But you will still be bitten. I took the stuff to put them off, and I suppose sometimes it worked. Maybe the stuff loses it effectiveness after exposure to the air for so long. Maybe it rubbed off. The best thing to do in hindsight would have been to wear long trousers. It's your legs they go for. But it's so warm, shorts really are items of choice.

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In the UK I study people near ATM machines if I wish to use one, as undesirables are sometimes lying in wait. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that physical crimes against people are very infrequent in Thailand. Crimes tend to be non-violent, ie picking pockets or deception.

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Thais, like anyone else can take offence. If you see a row of shoes outside a room/office etc, it means people are taking off their shoes before going in. Don’t wait to be asked, if you want to go in, take yours off. If you visit a temple you must remove you shoes. Do as the Thais do. If you must get down on the floor, fold your legs beneath you so that your feet point away from the Buddha. Wear appropriate clothing. Don’t wear shorts mini skirts or short-sleeved shirts. Cover yourself.

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