92 มารยาทไทย มารยาทในสังคม
มารยาทไทย มารยาทในสังคม 93
94 มารยาทไทย มารยาทในสังคม
มารยาทไทย มารยาทในสังคม 95 คณะผู้จัดทำ ผู้ทรงคุณวุฒิและคณะกรรมการ นายพะนอม แก้วกำ เนิด นางสาวพิมนภัทร์ พันทนา รองศาสตราจารย์ลาวัณย์ ผลสมภพ รองอธิบดีกรมส่งเสริมวัฒนธรรม นางพิมพ์รวี วัฒนวรางกูร ผู้อำ นวยการสถาบันวัฒนธรรมศึกษา นางสาวทัศชล เทพกำ ปนาท นายวินัย วรวัตร์ นางสาวจุฑามาศ ใหญ่คุ้ม นายมณฑล ยิ่งยวด ที่ปรึกษา นายชาย นครชัย อธิบดีกรมส่งเสริมวัฒนธรรม นางสาวอัจฉราพร พงษ์ฉวี รองอธิบดีกรมส่งเสริมวัฒนธรรม นายชัยพล สุขเอี่ยม รองอธิบดีกรมส่งเสริมวัฒนธรรม นายอิสระ ริ้วตระกูลไพบูลย์ เลขานุการกรม คณะทำ�งาน นางสาวเมธาวินทร์ แสงมาลา ผู้อำ นวยการกลุ่มค่านิยมและความเป็นไทย นางสาวปราณิสา เตียวพิพิธพร ผู้อำ นวยการกลุ่มวิเทศสัมพันธ์ นายศศิเลิศ สุคำวัง ผู้อำ นวยการกลุ่มศิลปกรรม นางสาวปนัดดา ปาจรีย์ ผู้อำ นวยการกลุ่มพัสดุ อาคารสถานที่ และยานพาหนะ นางสาววิภา พงษ์พรต นักวิชาการวัฒนธรรมชำ นาญการ นางสาวธศร ยิ้มสงวน นักวิชาการวัฒนธรรมชำ นาญการ นายวรพัทธ์ ภควงศ์ นักวิชาการวัฒนธรรมชำ นาญการ นายธีรวิทย์ บุญราศี นักวิชาการวัฒนธรรมชำ นาญการ นายสิทธิเดช ภาคสกุณี นักวิชาการวัฒนธรรมปฏิบัติการ นางสาวอภิญญา สมีพันธ์ นักวิชาการวัฒนธรรม นางสาวชนิกาณต์ มั่นประสงค์ นักวิชาการวัฒนธรรม
96 มารยาทไทย มารยาทในสังคม ขอขอบคุณ วัดอินทราวาส แขวงบางระมาด เขตตลิ่งชัน กรุงเทพมหานคร มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏสวนสุนันทา วิทยาลัยนานาชาติ มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏสวนสุนันทา โรงเรียนสาธิตมหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏสวนสุนันทา องค์การขนส่งมวลชนกรุงเทพ ค่ายลูกเสือจังหวัดกำแพงเพชร เจ้าหน้าที่กองพิธีการศพที่ได้รับพระราชทาน สำ นักงานปลัดกระทรวงวัฒนธรรม ผู้แสดงแบบ นายภัทรพลฒ์ เดชพงษ์วรานนท์ (โดนัท) นางสาวณิชารีย์ เสาเกลียว นางสาวเมลดา สุศรี (โบว์) นางสาวปารีณา พรเฉิดฉาย นางสาวอมตา จิตตะเสนีย์ (แพรี่พาย) นายกฤตยชญ์ จันเทร์มะ นายวินัย วรวัตร์ เด็กชายดวิษ จินตวิริยะสกุล นางสาวจุฑามาศ ใหญ่คุ้ม เด็กชายศดิศทัศน์ วิลัยวรรณ นางสาวเมธาวินทร์ แสงมาลา เด็กหญิงประภามาส ณ พัทลุง นายภูวิชญ์ งิ้วลาย เด็กหญิงปทิตตา สงวนดี นางสาวกัญชริญา พรมแทน เด็กหญิงภัททิยา ศรีธานี นายเชาว์วัฒน์ บุญเทศ เด็กหญิงจิตญาณินท์ กลัดแก้ว นางสาวเมธิณี สายทองสมุทร เด็กหญิงอชิรญาณ์ จันทร์ศรี นางสาวณิกษา ประภาสุชาติ เด็กหญิงอรดา สุขสมัย นางสาวญาณิศา ตังทะนาม พิสูจน์อักษร นางสาววิภา พงษ์พรต นายวรพัทธ์ ภควงศ์ นางสาวธศร ยิ้มสงวน นางสาวอภิญญา สมีพันธ์
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society Department of Cultural Promotion www.culture.go.th
Forward Thailand has its own unique set of etiquette and customs. It denotes core values which have been demonstrated in the Thai society over a long period of time. Some of the concepts and terms that can reflect Thai identities include politeness, modesty, appropriateness, respect for seniority, showing honor to each other, guiding principles and proper manners in various occasions among others. The Thai etiquette has been widely recognized as a code of conduct, embodying rules of peaceful coexistence and friendly cooperation with each other in the society. The Ministry of Culture has determined main policies to preserve and promote our cultural heritage as well as to take pride in Thai culture by initiating the Thai Identity project encompassing various cultural activities in order to raise awareness of being Thai. The book, “Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society,” published in both Thai and English by the Department of Cultural Promotion, is in pursuit of the Thai identity project. It is overall aimed at encouraging students, members of the general public and organizations including friends of Thailand to have some perception and understanding of the guidelines which handle the way a responsible individual should behave in the Thai society. (Mr. Itthiphol Kunplome) Minister of Culture
Table of Contents Page Forward Meaning of “Thai etiquette” 1 1. Paying respect 1 1.1 The Wai (Wanthana or Wantha) 2 1.2 The Krap (Apiwat) 7 1.2.1 The Benchangkhapradit Krap 7 1.2.2 Performing the Krap to the elderly 9 1.3 A bow 10 1.4 Paying respect to the King 11 1.4.1 Traditional respect paying 11 1.4.2 Universal respect paying 15 1.5 Respect paying in general 19 1.5.1 Paying respect to the deceased 19 1.5.2 Paying respect to statues of important persons 21 1.5.3 Paying respect to the president at a ceremony 22 1.5.4 Paying respect to a person wearing a uniform 24 1.6 Receiving respect 24
Page 2. Giving and receiving items 25 2.1 Presenting and receiving items to/from royal family 25 members 2.2 Presenting and receiving items to/from monks 32 2.3 Handing and receiving items to/from senior persons 34 3. Standing 47 3.1 Standing for the flag ceremony, the National Anthem 47 and the regimental flag in public 3.2 Standing to pay respect to His Holiness the Supreme 47 Patriarch 3.3 Standing to pay respect to the King and royal family 47 members 3.4 Manners of standing in different ceremonies 49 3.5 Standing in other occasions 51 4. Walking 52 4.1 Walking in an event related to the monarchy 52 4.2 Walking in religious rites 53 4.3 Walking in different ceremonies 54 4.4 Walking past a senior person 55 4.5 Walking in front of or walking behind a senior person 57 4.6 Walking in front of a funeral robe 58 4.7 General walking 60
Page 5. Sitting 61 5.1 Sitting with the legs to the side 61 5.2 Sitting with the legs crossed (the Sa-mart) 64 5.3 Sitting in a prostration posture 65 5.4 Sitting on the knees 66 5.5 Sitting on a chair 68 General Social Etiquette 70 1. Proper social etiquette 70 2. Etiquette in public places 71 3. Dining etiquette 72 4. Manners of welcoming a visitor and being a visitor 73 5. Manners of visiting the sick 73 6. Manners of attending a funeral ceremony 74 7. Manners of attending a royally-sponsored funeral ceremony 75 8. Manners of attending a wedding ceremony 76 9. Manners in a theater 77 10. Manners of watching a performance 78 11. Manners of using the Internet 80 12. Manners of attending a meeting 81 13. Manners of using a lift 82 14. Manners of using a public restroom 83 15. Manners of having a conversation with others 83 16. Manners of using a mobile phone 84
Page 17. Manners of using a public bus 85 18. Manners of traveling on a plane 86 19. Manners of using a public boat 87 20. Manners of being a service provider of public vehicles 88 21. Manners of sleeping 89 Appendix 92 Light waving rite practices 92 Light waving rite Guidelines for Buddhists 93 Working Group 95
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society How to use the Augmented Reality (AR) i How to Use and Scan AR photo 1. Download the application “Thai Etiquette AR” Type “Thai Etiquette AR” in a search box in Google Play or App Store. 2. After opening the application, you will see the first page of the application. Click to get in AR mode or Click to read a handout of the application.
ii Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society หรือ สามารถรับชมคลิปวิดีโอ ได้ทางเว็บไซต์ https://seeme.me/p/D1mQeD 3. Then scan the photo with AR symbol in the photo as follows. Type “Thai Etiquette AR” in a search box in Google Play or App Store. AR symbol 4. Watch the video, and can click to pause or replay that video. to pause video to play video to go back to homepage Click Click Click
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 1 Thai etiquette Meaning of “Thai etiquette” “Thai etiquette” refers to polite verbal and action manners that people should practice in society in accordance with proper rules and regulations. Thai etiquette covers verbal and action expressions such as paying respect, sending and receiving of items, standing, walking, sitting, sleeping, expressing actions, having meals, giving and receiving of services, greetings, conversations, word usage, listening, using communication tools and attending ceremonies. Thai etiquette Thai etiquette represents Thai uniqueness. The guidelines include the followings. 1. Paying respect 2. Giving and receiving things 3. Standing 4. Walking 5. Sitting 1. Paying respect Paying respect can be expressed through various manners including pressing the palms together, performing the Wai, performing the Krap and performing the bow. Paying respect can be differently practiced, depending on whom the respect is given to or on what occasion it is. Paying respect can be divided as follows.
2 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society Pressing the palms together (male) Pressing the palms together (female) 1.1 The Wai (Wanthana or Wantha) This gesture consists of 2 parts, including pressing palms together and the Wai. Pressing the palms together (Anchalee) is a gesture to express respect. Palms are pressed together, making a budding lotus shape. Fingertips are close together and palms are pressed at the chest level. Fingertips are slightly bent out. Both hands close to the body. Elbows are not open. This gesture is for both males and females. Pressing palms together is performed when praying, listening to a sermon, preaching, talking to a monk, receiving blessing from senior people, receiving respect from younger people, etc.
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 3 The 1st level Wai The Wai (Wanthana or Wantha) is a gesture to express respect by pressing palms together and raising the pressed palms to touch the face. This expresses the highest respect to a person. There are 3 levels of the Wai based on a person status. The 1st level Wai is for Buddhism. This level shows respect to the Buddha, the Dhamma, the Sangha (monks), sanctuary and relics of related to the Buddhism. In the event where the Benchangkhapradit Krap cannot be performed, raised pressed palms and bow the head down. Let thumbs touch the space between eyebrows. Fingertips touch the forehead. AR
4 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society The 2nd level Wai is for parents, teachers, senior relatives, and the elderly. This level is to show respect to grandparents, father, mother, teachers and respected persons. Raise pressed palms until thumbs touch the tip of the nose and fingertips touch the space between the eyebrows. Bow the head. The 2nd level Wai AR
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 5 The 3rd level Wai is for respected persons in general or slightly older persons. Raise pressed palms until thumbs touch the tip of the chin and fingertips touch the top of the nose. Bow the head. The 3rd level Wai is performed to show the respect to persons of the same age or friends. Stand straight without bowing the head. The 3rd level Wai AR
6 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society To perform all the 3 levels of the Wai, females can move any side of feet backwards, to make a half step, bend knees down and raise pressed palm. Stand straight when performing the Wai to persons with the same status. The 3 levels of the Wai: Females move the foot backward, bow and perform the Wai. Perform the Wai to persons with the same status
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 7 1.2 The Krap (Apiwat) is a gesture to show high respect. There are 2 types as follows. 1.2.1 The Benchangkhapradit Krap is done using five parts of the body including forehead, both palms and both elbows, to touch the floor. There are 3 steps for performing the Benchangkhapradit Krap as follows. The preparing step Male: Go down on the knees. The tips of toes go up straight. Heels are placed close together. Both knees are properly placed apart from each other. Both palms are placed upside down on both knees. All fingers are placed closely together (The Theppabutr posture). Female: Go down on the knees. The tips of toes are laid on the floor. The knees and the tip of toes are placed close together. Sit on the heels. Both palms are placed upside down on both knees. All fingers are placed closely together (The Thepthida posture). The Krap step The 1st step (Anchalee) : Pressed palms are raised. The 2nd step (Wanthana or Wantha) : Raise pressed palms according to the 1st level of paying the respect to the monks. The 3rd step (Apiwat) : Bow and let hands and arms touch the floor, leaving some space between both palms to let the forehead touch the floor. Male: Both elbows should be placed next to the knees without bending the back. Female:Both elbows can be placed on knees without bending the back. Repeat the 3 steps for 3 times. After that, go back to the Wai gesture, put the hands on both knees in the Krap posture and change the gesture as appropriate.
8 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society Preparing to perform the Krap for male and female Krap (Wantha) posture for male and female Krap (Anchalee) posture for male and female Krap (Apiwat) posture for male and female
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 9 1 Crawling on knees refers to a posture of going down on the knees with the tips of toe going straight against the floor and moving one knee backwards followed by the other. Sit with legs to the side, one hand on another Krap 1.2.2 Performing the Krap to the elderly. It is performed to pay respect to respected persons and the elderly such as grandparents, father, mother, teachers and respected persons. Both males and females sit on the floor with legs to the side. Let hands down and put hands on the lower knee. The pressed palms put against the floor, not opening the palms. Bend down to let the forehead touch the top part of the pressed palms. While performing the Krap, the fingers are not raised to touch the forehead. The Krap should only be performed once. After that, sit properly by putting one hand on the other. Then, crawl on the knees1 backwards for a proper distance and stand up.
10 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 1.3 A bow is a commonly used gesture to show respect in the event where the Wai or the Krap cannot be performed. For instance, after the flag ceremony, a person should bow the head once. Both males and females should stand straight and put heels closely together. For males, the tips of feet are slightly open. For females, heels and the tips of feet are closely placed together. Arms are placed next to the body. The tips of the middle fingers touch the seam of trousers or skirt. Shoulders and head are slightly lowered. Then, lift the face in a straight posture. A bow (male)
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 11 1.4 Paying respect to the King 1.4.1 Traditional respect paying is performed to the King in accordance with the traditional way. It is usually performed in special royal ceremonies. It can be divided as follows. 1) Performing a bow Before performing a bow, a person should be in a preparing posture. Go down on the knees with the tips of toes going straight against the floor. Both males and females are supposed to sit on the heels. Both hands are placed on knees. Males can sit with knees slightly separated. Females should place knees closely together. Performing a bow consists of 3 steps as follows. The 1st step: Raise the pressed palms to the chest level. Tips of the fingers are raised slightly below the chin. Arms are placed next to the body. Elbows are not open. The 2nd step: Lay the pressed palms down and slightly bend the body. Let eyes focus on thumbs. Raise hands up and bend the body backwards properly. Let the tips of the thumbs and the forefingers touch the forehead. Both palms are closely pressed together and slightly lift the face up. The 3rd step: Lower the hands down and slightly bend the body and the face. Go back to the 1st step again. Repeat the three steps for 3 times. After that, lower the hands down. Place the palms on both knees. This bow is performed when both male and female perform a bow together. Female are required to perform prostration.
12 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society Preparing to perform a bow The 1st bow step for male and female
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 13 The 2nd bow step for male and female The 3rd bow step for male and female AR
14 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society a bow Prostration 2 Royal family members refer to highly-ranked royal family members including prince (son), princess (daughter) and other royal family members who are niece, nephew, grandchildren of the King and those who are entitled as his/her royal highness or his/her serene highness. 2) Prostration Prostration is performed to show respect to the King and royal family members2 having an audience for a royalty audience. Sit with the legs to the side and keep the tips of the feet. After that, prostrate down and let elbows touch the floor. Put elbows on the lower knee. One hand is put on the other. When performing the Krap, press palms together, lower the head to let the forehead touch the top part of the pressed palms. After performing the Krap, sit in a prostrating posture and go back to sit with the legs to the side again.
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 15 1.4.2 Universal respect paying The Office of the Prime Minister's (OPM) by the Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS) has established guidelines for paying respect to His Majesty the King, the Queen and the royal family members for civil government officials as follows. 1) Respect paying performed by male civil government officials (1) A bow is to stand straight with the tips of the feet slightly opening as the first step. The arms are placed next to the body. Slightly bow the body down with the head slightly bent. Lift the head up slowly with the body in a straight posture. Standing straight A bow (front) A bow (side)
16 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society A salute with a straight posture (2) A salute is performed when wearing a civil government official uniform with a hat. Stand straight with tips of the feet slightly opening, and then give a salute. For wearing a civil government official uniform without a hat, a person can perform a bow according to (1). 2) Respect paying performed by female civil government officials (1) Only a royal style of curtsy is performed as follows. (1.1) S t a n d straight and face the royal pavilion. Stand on the right leg and move the left one to the back of the right one. Standing straight A curtsy (front) A curtsy (side) (1.2) Slowly lower the body down but avoid touching the floor. While moving the left leg to the back of the right one, put the right hand on the left one on the leg above the knee.
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 17 (1.3) Slightly lower the body down and cast a look on the floor. (1.4) After the curtsy is over, stand straight with arms next to the body. (2) A salute is performed when wearing a civil government official uniform with a hat. Stand straight with tips of the feet slightly opening and give a salute. For wearing a civil government official uniform without a hat, a person can perform a curtsy according to (1). A female giving a salute Paying respect according to 1) and 2) is performed to royal portraits and royal statues or royal monuments. General people should pay respect to the King, the Queen and royal family members as follows. Male: Give a bow by lowering the body. Female: Give a royal style curtsy.
18 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society A bow (male) A curtsy (front) AR AR A curtsy (side)
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 19 1.5 Respect paying in general 1.5.1 Paying respect to the deceased: A person should pay respect by performing the Krap to the Buddha image first and then to the deceased. Lighting a joss-stick is only performed by relatives or respected persons who wish to show the respect. Paying respect to deceased monks: If the host allows joss-stick lighting, 3 joss-sticks are lit. The Benchangkhapradit Krap is performed for 3 times. Paying respect to deceased general people: Do the same as it is before he or she passes away. If the deceased one is older, the Krap without opening hands is performed for 1 time. If the deceased one is at the same age, the 3rd level Wai is performed (general people). If the deceased one is younger, stand or sit in silence for a while. In the event where the deceased one receives royally-sponsored ceremony, the president of the funeral lights up joss-sticks and candles in front of the Buddha image and the Dhamma book chest, and lights up a gold ware offering in front of the coffin. After that, the president pay respect to the deceased one. Guests perform the Krap to the Buddha altar table set first and then pay respect to the deceased one by performing the Krap or the Wai.
20 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society Paying respect to deceased monks Paying respect to deceased general people
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 21 1.5.2 Paying respect to statues of important persons: A respect to statues, sculptures, photos or symbols of important persons is performed by a bow, the Krap or the Wai, depending on occasions, special events or formal ceremonies. For instance, flowers arranged in lotus-shape are used in a birthday anniversary or an important day related to formal ceremonies. A flower wreath is used in a death anniversary or a commemoration day related to formal ceremonies. For other informal occasions, it is not necessary to use any offerings. Making a bow to a statute Performing the Wai to a statue
22 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 3 It is performed in the same way for monks. 4 Allowing the president to give one bow at the ceremony consists of several reasons as follows. 1.5.3 Paying respect to the president at a ceremony: At a ceremony, when the president stands up to pay respect to the Triple Gem, attendees stand up. When the president lights up joss-sticks and candles, attendees press palms together at the chest level.3 After the president performs the Krap for 3 times, attendees raise the pressed palms to let thumbs touch the space between eyebrows. The tips of the forefingers are placed closely on the forehead. Slightly bend the head. At a ceremony where a flag and a royal portrait are presented, after paying respect to the Triple Gem, the president stands up, makes 1 step backward and bows the head for one time. This is considered to be paying respect to the Nation and the royal portrait at the same time.4 This is practiced in both males and females with or without an official uniform. After the ceremony ends, the president should perform the Wai to the Buddha altar table set again. Attendees stand in silence and perform the Wai to the Triple Gem. In the event where an action is going on, for instance, While the president is having a conversation with attendees, having tea or participating in an activity, and it is not necessary to perform the Krap to the Triple Gem again.
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 23 The president lights up joss-sticks. The president performs the Krap to the Buddha image. The president pays respect to the national flag and the royal portrait.
24 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society (1) According to the announcement of the Office of the Prime Minister titled the Recognition of the King’s Birthday as the Nation’s Day dated May 21, 1960, published in the Government Gazette, Volume 77, Section 4, May 24, 1960, Page 1452, it is considered that the King and the Nation is united. Therefore, giving one bow can show respect to the Nation and the King implicitly. (2) Giving one bow to pay the respect to more than 1 respected persons or objects closely installed is normally performed. For instance, one bow is given at the ceremony when receiving an insignia. More examples include the following occasions. At an ordination, a person who is having an ordination pays respect to parents and sponsors by performing the Krap for one time. Attendees who come after pay respect to the president for one time. It is considered to be paying to all persons at the ceremony. Receiving respect by performing the Wai 1.5.4 Paying respect to a person wearing a uniform can be performed as follows. 1.6 Receiving respect: When a younger person pays respect to an older one, the older one receives the respect by pressing the palms together or slightly bending the head as appropriate.
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 25 2. Giving and receiving items 2.1 Presenting and receiving items to/from royal family members 2.1.1 Presenting items to royal family members To present a light thing to royal family members while he or she is sitting on a seat or standing, the item to be presented must always be placed on a raised tray covered by a Tash cloth. The edge of the cloth must be kept on the edge of the tray. The presenter must use both hands to hold the neck of the tray. Before presenting the tray, the presenter must perform a bow or curtsy. When approaching the royal family member at a proper distance, the presenter must perform a bow or curtsy once more, lower the body down, move the right foot to the front, lower the left knee to touch the floor and raise the tray to the royal family member. The tray must be slightly higher than the head. Eyes focus on the neck of the tray. After the royal family member has received the tray, the presenter must stand up, hold the tray at the waist level, move the right foot back, stand straight, perform a bow, take 3 steps backward, perform another bow and return to his or her seat or place.
26 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society Performing a bow/curtsy (male and female) Presenting things to a royal family members Performing a bow/curtsy after presenting thing to royal family member (male and female) Standing straight with a tray
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 27 When a royal family member sits on a high seat, the presenter does not need to lower the left knee to touch the floor. For royal offerings, the presenter must stand straight and bow. The presenter walks towards the royal seat at a proper distance, bows again, lowers the body and crawls on the knees. The presenter places the royal offerings on the right side, performs the Krap, raise the right hand to perform the Ao Ngan5 , Opens the cone and places the cone lid on the side. The presenter raises the tray to the royal family member. After the royal family member has received the tray, the presenter must keep the cone and crawl on the knees backwards. Then, the presenter must stand straight, make a bow, take 3 steps backward, make another bow and return to his or her seat or place. 5 Ao Ngan is a gesture to pay respect to their Majesties the King, the Queen and royal family members. It is performed by general people, the royal family members who are granted the royal audience to receive things from the King’s hand or do some activities in front of the King such as opening flower cone or opening or closing a container, keeping food for the King, etc. The right hand is extended forward and raised from the body at a proper distance. All fingers are closely placed together. The left hand is placed next to the body. The tip of the right hand is raised at about 45 degrees from the body. Kneeling down, holding royal offerings Holding a cone lid and walking in Crawling on knees, holding royal offerings
28 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society Placing royal offerings Performing the Ao Ngan Performing the Krap Opening a cone Presenting royal offerings
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 29 When the royal family member sits on the floor, the presenter must bow and crawl on knees towards the royal family member at a proper distance. Then, the presenter raises an item to the royal family member. After the royal family member has received and placed the tray, the presenter prostrates. If the royal family member gives a speech, the presenter must prostrate and listen to a speech and interact with the speech. After the speech is over, the presenter must prostrate once again and crawl backwards. Offering any items that cannot be carried as thay are or a living thing is called “Nomklao Thawai (to present thing)” and must be prepared in a form of document, such as a land deed, an account and a manual. The royal audience shall be practiced in the same way as carrying things to a royal family member. Remarks To present money to royal family members, Mr.Sawaet Thanapradith, the Advisor to the Bureau of the Royal Household, additionally explains that: 1. To present money to royal family members for the contribution to a charity fund where they are sitting inside church, cathedrals or buildings with balcony, the item to be presented must be placed on a tray. All presenters must be accompanied by the Bureau of the Royal Household officials from the Security Department. 2. In the event where royal family members are making a royal passage, it is difficult to place all the items to be presented on a tray. This is because of the fact that there are a lot of people attending the royal audience, who wish to present items to royal family members while they are making a passage. Some of the attendees hold 20, 50, 100 bank notes without envelops and present them to the royal family members as they wish to express their loyalty while attending the royal audience. In this event, it is impossible to provide trays to all attendees along the path. If the attendees in the royal audience along the path are forced to place the things to be presented to the royal family members on a tray, this fails to show discourage the loyalty of people as well as of foreigners.
30 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 2.1.2 Receiving bestowed items from royal family members For being bestowed something by royal family members, a person must perform the Ao Ngan one time. The right hand is extended forward and raised from the body at a proper distance. All fingers are closely placed together. The left hand is placed next to the body. The tip of the right hand is raised at about 45 degrees from the body. Then, the right arm is lowered to the same position and hands are lowered to receive the item or pick up, touch, open, close or take a container. It should be careful that the item must not fall down from hands. If the item is light, only one hand can be used. If the item is heavy, the right hand is used to perform the Ao Ngan and the left hand is raised to accompany. Male: The receiver walks towards royal family members at a proper distance and bows. Then, the receiver moves the right leg to the front, lowers the body, and kneels the left knee and raises the right hand to perform the Ao Ngan. The left hand is placed next to the body, and then receives the bestowed item. Then, the receiver moves the right foot backwards, stands up straight, bows and steps backwards. Bowing Kneeling on knee and performing Ao Ngan Bowing after receiving the bestowed thing
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 31 Female: The receiver walks towards royal family member at a proper distance and performs a curtsy (royal style of curtsy). Then, the receiver stands straight, moves the right leg to the front and kneels the left knee. After that, the receiver raises the right hand to do the perform Ao Ngan. The left hand is placed next to the body. The receiver receives the bestowed item, moves the right foot backwards, stands up straight, performs a curtsy and steps backward. Royal style curtsy Moving the right foot, kneeling down and performing Ao Ngan Western style curtsy
32 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society For receiving the bestowed item, the receiver must glance to see whether the royal family member is holding the bestowed item or not to make a proper receiving. Whether the bestowed item is light or heavy, it must be carried by the receiver when returning to the seat or the place at all times until the ceremony is over. Remarks A person who receives the bestowed thing and sits on a seat must perform a bow before leaving the seat as appropriate. Before leaving and returning to the seat, a bow must be performed before sitting down. Several bows can be performed depending on appropriateness or rehearsals. 2.2 Presenting and receiving items to/from monks 2.2.1 Presenting items to monks refers to offering things to monks in accordance with the Dhamma discipline. When the item to be presented can be carried, the presenter can use both hands to carry and present the item to the monk at a one-hand distance. When the item to be presented is too large and cannot be lifted such as a boat, a car or a parsonage, the presenter must pray the offering chant or present a document related to the presented item. Ways to present things by males and females are as follows. If a monk is sitting on the floor, the presenter holds an item to be presented and crawls on the knees towards the monk at a one-hand distance. Then, the presenter presents the item to the monk. A male can hand or receive the item directly to/from the monk’s hand, but a female must place the item to be presented on the piece of cloth spread out by the monk. The Wai or Krap is performed, depending on different occasions. The presenter moves backwards by crawling on the knees. After moving back at a proper distance, the presenter can stand up and turn back.
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 33 Presenting items to a monk (male and female) If a monk is sitting on a seat or a cushion, it is not necessary to crawl on the knees. The presenter must leave a one-hand distance and present the item as mentioned above. If there are several items to be presented, the items should be presented to the monk one at a time. When all items are placed in one container, such containers can be presented to the monk. 2.2.2 Receiving items from monks: Before receiving an item from the monk, move towards the monk at a proper distance and pay respect by performing the Krap or Wai as appropriate. Male: Extend two hands to receive a light or heavy item and step backwards.
34 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society Female: A monk will place the item on a tray. Use the right hand to pick up the light item. Use both hands to carry the heavy thing from the tray with a proper manner and step backwards. Receiving items from a monk 2.3 Handing and receiving items to/from senior persons There are 2 types of the items to be handed or received: heavy and light items. The heavy item can be carried by both hands. The light item can be carried by the right hand. The left hand is placed next to the body. The thing to be handed or received shall be carried horizontally. If it is a notebook or a book, the book spine must be faced to the receiver.
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 35 Handing items and standing straight Moving the right foot and handing the item Moving the foot backwards, standing straight and performing the Wai 2.3.1 Formal handing and receiving of items The word “formal” here refers to a formal activity with a formal schedule and practice which may be different from personal practice. 1) Handing items to a senior person who is standing Male: The presenter must carry the item and walk towards the senior person at a proper distance. Then, the presenter stands straight, moves the right foot to the front and slightly lowers the body. The presenter hands the item to the senior person, moves the right foot backwards, pays respect by performing the Wai once, steps backward at a proper distance and turns back.
36 Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society Female: The presenter must carry the item and walk towards the senior person at a proper distance. Then, the presenter stands straight, moves the right foot to the front and slightly lowers the body. The presenter hands the item to the senior person, performs the Wai while lowering the body, moves the right foot back, steps backwards at a proper distance and turns back. Performing the Wai while lowering the body Moving the right foot back and standing straight Handing item and standing straight Moving the right foot and lowering the body
Thai Etiquette, Etiquette in Society 37 When a tray is used, the presenter must hold the neck of the tray using both hands. Then, the presenter walks towards the senior person at a proper distance and pays respect (male: bow, female: slightly bend the head). The presenter raises the tray to the senior person. After the senior person has received the tray, the presenter lowers the tray to a normal level. A male and a female pay respect, then step backwards and turn back. 2) Handing items to a senior person who is sitting on a seat Male: The presenter must carry an item and walk towards the senior person at a proper distance. Then, the presenter stands straight, moves the right foot to the front, lowers the left knee and hands the item to the senior person. After that, the presenter stands straight, performs the Wai once, steps backward at a proper distance and turns back. Handing and standing straight Moving the right foot to the front and handing an item Moving the foot backwards standing straight, bending the body and performing the Wai