Fake pass on holidays: why are you not allowed to touch children’s heads in Thailand?

As a tourist in Borneo, you can visit the island’s indigenous ethnic group, the Iban. The program includes cooking for visitors. If an Iban wishes to buy food for a guest and the tourist is no longer hungry, he is not allowed to verbally indicate that he is full by waving him. Instead, it has to get to the food or drink. Specifically: You stick your finger into the rice – or whatever’s served to you – or into the glass with the drink.

It may be well-intentioned, but stroking a child’s head with your hand or touching there in any way is not welcome in Thailand. Buddhist teaching says that the soul lives in the head as the highest point of the body. It is therefore considered sacred – even for adults. The soles of the feet are particularly dirty. They should keep the tourists away from the gaze of a Thai person. Even when sitting on the ground.

Good to know: The island state and honeymoon paradise has a strict ban on electronic cigarettes and e-cigarettes since July 2023, as has been the case for some time in many other countries. The ban also applies to imports. Anyone who ignores this should expect hefty fines. Overall, Mauritius is not a suitable destination for passionate smokers. Even “regular” cigarettes may only be consumed in designated areas that are never particularly inviting. Smoking is also prohibited in hotel rooms and private vehicles.

Eating with a guest – eating part of the meal away from them – is considered rude in Sri Lanka. As a result, everyone invited to a family sits alone at the table, while the hosts stand by and watch. Maybe at some point the head of the family will join them to chat. Only when Sri Lankans know someone very well do they eat when they’re done. Otherwise, only when the person leaves the apartment or house.

Behavioral tips come from Zurich-based Travel Worldwide AG’s strong team of 22 consultants specializing in each country and region. Travel agency operates independently of tour operators, airlines or hotels and offers long distance travel all over the world.