It is important to realise that in Thailand you will be strongly judged by your appearance. Thai people, regardless of their background, will always put a lot of effort into looking groomed and being well-dressed and if you want to fit in and be treated with respect, you must do the same.

To Thai eyes, the casual clothes of Western tourists are often offensive – and make you look like a beggar! Shorts are inappropriate, although they are OK for children. Especially in cities, no matter how hot it is, always wear long trousers, and it is best to wear tops with at least a short sleeve. Thai ‘Fisherman pants’ are popular and wearing them is all right, but if you think you’re cool and ‘going local’ by wearing them with a tanktop, you are wrong! Please wear them with a shirt. Above all, never ever go topless in Thailand.

If you are visiting a Buddhist temple, please dress conservatively and take off your shoes before entering. When sitting down in the temple, it is best to kneel. Don’t stretch your legs out in front of you.

Please don’t climb onto Thai shrines. It is considered a serious lack of respect.

In Europe, the everyday dresscode is quite different. More casual clothes are often completely acceptable, although in some countries, for example Malta, it is a good idea to dress a little more conservatively.

In most European countries you will not be allowed to enter a place of worship with uncovered shoulders or legs. Sometimes it depends on the day or on the person keeping watch at the entrance, but on the whole, when you enter a church, you should not have bare shoulders and you should wear clothes that cover your legs below the knee. At the entrance of Italian and Greek churches you will often see signs showing you how you should be dressed.

In mosques, as in temples, you are also requested to take off your shoes. But if you did so in a Christian church you would be considered a bit eccentric!