Thai social behavior differ from Western — alot. You should be ready to change your common public activities according to local rules.
First of all you don’t have to take your own clothes to Thailand: most likely yours will be too warm + there is a plenty of inexpensive clothes of good quality can be found everythere in shops and trade centers.
Despite hot climate Thai culture do not tolerate any forms of public nakedness: for example it’s not OK to walk without shirts anythere but on beach.
Topless sunbathing or swimming is not ok for women. String-thongs are not welcomed too for both men and women. Thais often go to swim in all their everyday clothes…
Wearing a bra in public under common clothes is a good idea (if you are a woman of couse).
If you are visiting a temple you should know there is a strict dress code: flip flops, shorts and such are prohibited. Unlike in many other countries you have to wear *some* clothes in public places. If you are a public person (teacher, for example) you have to demonstrate proper cloth rules for other people.
As an example of unacceptable clothes you can check attached photo: it is Thai actress Chotiros Suriyawong — she was in revealing dress on local version of Oscar show in 2007th. As a result there was a scandal around the dress — after Thai media widely spread her photos with accusing comments producer of movie with Chotiros Suriyawong promised to cut all her scenes.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:28 am
[...] – mix of indigenous culture, Chinese, Indian, European fashion. As you probably know from my previous posts, one of the most valuable advices for newcomers is “do NOT bring your own clothes to Thailand” [...]