What not to do in Bangkok comes down to two lists: things that are against Thai law, and things that are legal but will offend people. The first list is short and serious. Criticizing the monarchy, bringing electronic cigarettes into the country, smoking in public places and flying an unregistered drone can all lead to fines, detention or prison, and there is no exception for tourists. The second list is mostly about respect for the royal family, for religion and for the body, and it matters most at temples.
This guide states the rules plainly, with the official source for each, so you can plan around them rather than learn them at a police station.
Laws visitors most often break
Do not criticize the monarchy
Thailand's lèse-majesté law, Section 112 of the Criminal Code, says that whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent can be imprisoned for three to fifteen years for each count. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns that the law can be interpreted broadly, that it covers accusations about members of the Royal Family past and present, and that people have been charged for political comments and for sharing articles online. In practice, that means keeping opinions about the royal family out of conversations, social media posts and reposts while you are in Thailand.
The same respect extends to objects. Thai banknotes and coins carry the King's image, so stepping on money to stop it rolling away, or tossing it on the ground, is seen as deeply disrespectful.
Do not bring or use electronic cigarettes
According to the FCDO, it is illegal to possess or use any electronic cigarette, pod, e-liquid or heat-not-burn device anywhere in Thailand. Offenses can mean confiscation, heavy fines, detention and court proceedings, and you may have to stay in Thailand until the case is finished. Leave these devices at home; the rule applies from the moment you land.
Do not smoke in public places
The FCDO states that smoking in public is illegal in Thailand and carries a fine. Use designated smoking areas rather than lighting up on the street, at a bus stop or in a park such as Lumphini Park.
Do not fly a drone without registering it
Every drone, including small recreational ones, must be registered with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arriving or buying it, even if you never fly it. Separately, the Grand Palace is a no-drone zone. Unregistered flying risks a large fine or prison.
Carry identification
Police can ask to see your passport. If you do not have it, you may be asked to bring it to a police station within 24 hours; the FCDO says a copy of the photo page is usually accepted. What you should not do is leave your passport with a motorbike or jet-ski rental business as a deposit, since some hold on to it against claims of damage.
Other rules that surprise people
- Photos online: posting images of people drinking alcohol or wearing clothing considered inappropriate can be illegal in Thailand, for both the person posting and the people pictured.
- Playing cards: under the Playing Cards Act of 1943, carrying more than 120 playing cards is an offense.
- Alcohol hours: the sale of alcohol is restricted during set hours, with exceptions for licensed hotels, international airport terminals and authorized entertainment venues. Our guide to what time bars close in Bangkok covers closing times.
Temple etiquette: what not to wear or do
Temples are working places of worship, not only sights. The Grand Palace publishes the strictest dress code in the city, and it is a good standard for any temple visit. It turns away visitors in sleeveless shirts, vests, short or see-through tops, short pants, torn, tight or bike pants, mini skirts and sleepwear.
In practice, that means shoulders and knees covered, and loose clothing rather than leggings. If you plan to see the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun on the same day, dress for the palace and you will be fine at the other two. Our guide on what to wear in Bangkok has ideas for dressing for the heat and the temples at once.
Inside temple buildings
- Take your shoes off where signs or other visitors show you to, usually at the door of an ordination hall or chapel.
- Do not point your feet at a Buddha image or at people. The feet are considered the lowest and least clean part of the body, so when you sit on the floor, tuck them to the side or behind you.
- Do not climb on statues or pose with them in ways that treat them as props.
- Keep your voice low, and follow any signs about photography. The Grand Palace has its own published regulations on filming and photography.
Everyday etiquette
Do not touch someone's head
The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so do not touch anyone's head, including a child's, even affectionately.
Stand for the anthems
The national anthem is broadcast at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and in public places such as stations and parks many people stop and stand still while it plays. The royal anthem is played before films in cinemas and before many live performances, and the audience stands. Standing with everyone else is the expected courtesy.
Do not lose your temper
Raised voices and public confrontations tend to make a problem harder to solve, not easier. When a price or fare is in dispute, agree it before you set off; our guides to tuk-tuk fares and tipping in Bangkok help set expectations.
Be careful with drinks
The FCDO notes deaths and serious illness in Thailand from alcoholic drinks containing methanol, which cannot be detected by taste or smell. Buy drinks from licensed bars, restaurants and shops, and avoid homemade spirits.
What this means for your trip
Most of these rules are easy to follow once you know them: leave electronic cigarettes and unregistered drones at home, keep a copy of your passport with you, keep royal politics out of conversation, and pack one outfit that covers shoulders and knees for temple days. With that done, the city's attractions are open to you without surprises.
Sources: UK FCDO Thailand travel advice: safety and security, The Grand Palace, practical information, Lèse-majesté in Thailand (Wikipedia), Etiquette in Asia (Wikipedia), Thai National Anthem (Wikipedia), Sansoen Phra Barami (Wikipedia). Checked September 26, 2026.
Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code sets a prison sentence of three to fifteen years for each count of defaming, insulting or threatening the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent.
No. The UK FCDO states that possessing or using any electronic cigarette, pod, e-liquid or heat-not-burn device is illegal in Thailand, with typical fines of 5,000 to 30,000 baht, possible detention and court proceedings. There are no exceptions for tourists or personal use.
According to the FCDO, smoking in public is illegal and carries a fine of up to 5,000 baht.
The Grand Palace does not admit visitors in sleeveless shirts, vests, short or see-through tops, short pants, torn, tight or bike pants, mini skirts or sleepwear. Cover your shoulders and knees.
Police may ask to see it. If you do not have it, you can be asked to produce it at a police station within 24 hours. The FCDO says a copy of the photo page is usually sufficient.
Yes. All drones must be registered with the NBTC within 30 days of entering Thailand or buying the drone, even if you do not fly it. The FCDO lists a penalty of up to 100,000 baht, five years in prison, or both.
The FCDO says alcohol sales are restricted between midnight and 11 a.m., except in licensed hotels, international airport terminals and authorized entertainment venues.
