Ethic rules in restaurants in Thailand are very different from Western public behavior codex.

If you are inviting someone (woman) to restaurant in Thailand do not be surprised if invited person will bring a friend without prior notice.

Not necessary but it is a common practice then person with highest income takes care of bill in restaurant for all (or forward this bill to someone else like family member or company employee if it was a business lunch). Do not be scared though - restaurants in Thailand are probably cheapest you’ve ever seen.

As a western tourist you have to be ready to pay for all because you are probably richest person around (and thus have better Karma). Also do not be surprised if you will be asked directly about your income level if Thais cannot judge about your income for sure — to appraise who have to pay for meal.

Tips in restaurants in Thailand can be given only as appreciation of really great service. Do not tip more than 5% of bill amount.

Posted on January 8th, 2008 under Thailand's Culture and Ethic. Tags: culture, ethic, restaurants, thailand. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.