A Guide To Dress Codes For Female Expats In Thailand

When planning their move to Thailand, expats may be thinking of all the essential things to remember including visas, finding work, what to bring, finding schools for their children etc.

Those are the obvious essentials. But, it can be equally important to know how to dress with respect to the country’s culture, because each country has their own views, opinions, customs and laws about what is deemed “acceptable” clothing.
 
Luckily, the Thai are generally known as being a modest and respectful people who try to avoid any behavior or actions which could be interpreted as coarse or rude. This could be because more than 90% of the population practice Buddhism which teaches values including virtue, good conduct, morality, and equality.
 
So, while there are no laws about what women can and cannot wear in Thailand, it is advisable to respect local culture and traditions to avoid offending locals and other expats alike.

Everyday clothing

There’s no strict dress code in Thailand, but to keep in with their modest sense of dress and to respect their culture, women may want to wear something which covers their shoulders.
 
A light wrap, for example, draped around the shoulders would be a great addition to the outfit, in the practical and fashionable sense. Practical, because an item of clothing like this not only shows respect towards Thai values and culture, but because it can act as protection against the sun and decrease the chances of getting sunburnt.

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Thailand experiences hot and humid weather as well as dry and wet seasons due to the country’s tropical climate. Because it can reach up to 35 °C in April, expats may want to wear light, cotton clothing for everyday use. Heavy rainfall can usually be seen between the months of October and January which is why expats may want to bring a light rain jacket or coat with them.

Best foot first

One of the most important items of clothing to think about are shoes. In many buildings and locations in Thailand, expats will be required to remove their shoes as a sign of respect before entering the area. Expats may want to think about wearing footwear that are easy to slip on and off because they may find themselves taking off their shoes regularly. Locals, expats, and tourists alike are required to remove their shoes and leave them outside before entering temples, Thai homes, some tourist attractions, and some small stores.

 
The “no shoes” rule can vary from place to place which is why it can be best to check what other people are wearing on their feet before entering the space. When visiting a spa or dentist for example, expats may be required to remove their shoes, or they may not have to, but if they are, they’re often provided with some slippers to wear inside. Chances of shoes being stolen is unlikely, but as a precaution, it may be better for expats to wear inexpensive and easily replaceable shoes.

Beach-wear

While locals are used to expats and tourists wearing more revealing swimwear at tourist destinations and beach-resorts like Koh Samui and Phuket, expats may want to cover up when they’re away from tourist-oriented areas.
 
For instance, sunbathing topless on public beaches and around swimming pools is frowned upon because it is against Thai customs. Even though it’s not illegal, and locals might not make a fuss, it’s best to respect their values by avoiding this. To respect the Thai value of modesty, women may want to choose a high-neck swimsuit or a high-waist bikini. 
 

Thai temples

In places of worship, both men and women will need to cover their shoulders and knees. Showing knees and shoulders is considered as a sign of disrespect and expats may find themselves being asked to cover themselves or leave if they do not abide by these rules.
 
It can be a good idea for expats to carry a scarf with them so they can craft themselves a makeshift skirt or wrap it around their shoulders in case they are wearing inappropriate clothing when visiting a temple.
 
Before entering a temple, each person is required to remove their shoes and leave them outside as a sign of respect, this is why expats should also think about wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
 
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Traditional Thai clothing

When relocating to a different country, it can be good for expats to know about the diverse traditions and cultures they may find, especially when moving from a Western country where the culture may be different to the one they’re heading to.
 
Thailand does not have a national costume for women, but the country does offer seven traditional costumes inspired by historic royal dresses. These seven formal dresses are known as Ruean Ton, Chit Lada, Amarin, Borom Bhiman, Chakkri, Chakkrabhat and Siwalai Thai. These dresses are still worn at special occasions including ethnic festivals, celebrations, and weddings.
 
Locals, tourists, and expats can wear traditional Thai clothing to formal events when appropriate. This doesn’t mean expats have to wear this style of clothing in order to integrate, but it’s good to know that they have the freedom to choose what they wear without fear of being frowned upon.
 
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Because the Thai people are known as being warm, welcoming, and accepting, expats should not have to worry too much about offending others with their choice of clothes.  But, to respect the country’s culture and traditions, expats may want to follow Thailand’s modest sense of dress.