All "Thai"d Up

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. And with its massive tourist attractions, it is always best to enjoy the country scot-free. So here are some Thai laws that travelers need to know in order for us to fully enjoy the Thai experience sans the legal hassles. Remember, ignorance of the law excuses no one, even the tourists.

1. Do not step on any of the Thai currency. Thais love their King. All the bills and coins in Thailand have a picture of the King printed on them. As the King is highly revered, stepping on his likeness can not only get you landed in jail, but can also lead to a serious beating.

2. Do not leave your house in Thailand if you’re not wearing any underwear. If you're travelling to Thailand, make sure you pack enough underwear to last you for the entire trip. It is illegal to leave your house without wearing underwear in Thailand and, although I am not quite sure exactly how this law is enforced, I wouldn't want to take any chances.

3. Do not drive a car in Thailand if you’re not wearing a shirt. Don’t let the tropical weather tempt you to joy ride with your shirt off in Thailand. Police can will hand out tickets if they spot you topless while driving a car or motorcycle. Penalty is a mere slap on the wrist (or sun-burned shoulders). Tickets go for a few hundred baht or about $10.

4. Do not throw used chewing gum onto the sidewalk in Thailand. This law is more for vanity and is similar to the Bubblegum Law of Singapore. You will be fined $600 if you’re caught and if you don’t pay, you’ll be thrown in jail.

5. Prostitution is illegal but tolerated and partly regulated. Prostitution is practiced openly throughout the country but you should be very wary of Thailand’s prostitution laws. The "Entertainment Places Act of 1966" is one of the modern laws regulating massage parlors, go-go bars, karaoke bars, bathhouses and similar establishments. The law does not expressly permit prostitution, but allows for "service providers" and "bath service providers". For example, there are massage parlors where men come and look at women, who are sitting separated by a glass wall, and may choose whom they want. The women go to a room where they bathe and massage the customers, but in reality may do much more than that.

The Prostitution Law is the central legal framework prohibiting prostitution. The law defines prostitution as any act done to gratify the sexual desire of another in exchange for money or any other benefit, but only if it is done “in a promiscuous manner”. The Prostitution Law does not define what exactly a “promiscuous manner” constitutes, and the act of prostitution by itself is not outlawed anymore, while solicitation is. The crime of solicitation is vaguely defined. A person soliciting the services of a prostitute is liable under the Prostitution Law if the solicitation is done “openly and shamelessly or causes a nuisance to the public”, the penalty being a fine of up to 1,000 baht.

Lastly, deliberate transgressions from local customs, such as showing the soles of your feet or touching the top of a person's head, are likely to cause grave offence. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice. I should mention that these laws may or may no longer be in force at this time but the fact that they were laws scattered over the net makes them worth sharing. Again, it pays to be cautious.

One last thing, Foreigners are required to carry identification at all times. So be smart and enjoy your travels.