Heads, Hands and Feet
In many Asian cultures, the bottom of the foot is regarded as the least sacred and filthiest part of the body, while the head is seen as the most sacred part of the body. You shouldn't touch anyone's head, point your foot at them or a sacred object, lay your hand on the back of their chair, put your feet on a table or chair, or contact them with your feet. If you accidentally touch someone's head or foot, please sincerely apologize. It is one of the lists of Laos culture, customs, and etiquette. The Thai people have historically displayed their "height" reverence for the monarchy by crawling in front of the king with their heads below the king's feet.
Many people in Southeast Asia hold the view that the kwan, the spiritual energy of life, resides in the head, which is considered to be the holiest portion of the body. Never, not even in the warmest of situations, pat a Thai on the head. Standing over someone who is more mature, wiser, or spiritual than you is also regarded as disrespectful since it conveys a sense of superiority. Lower your head as you pass a gathering of people out of respect. Always keep an eye on the Thais. Hats are treated with respect since they are connected to the head. They are carefully hung, not to be thrown carelessly on a chair or, more specifically, the floor.
Since the feet are the body portion that accumulates the most dirt, tremendous care is taken to keep them off of people, food, utensils, and sacred literature. Asking someone to relocate rather than stepping on them shows considerably more respect. Likewise, avoid touching someone with your feet. If you do, you can reach out and touch their feet or make an apology-insinuating motion. Crossing your legs when seated is also impolite because it increases the likelihood that the bottoms of your feet will be pointed in someone's direction.
To point your foot at someone is the equivalent of calling yourself the dirtiest, lowest creature on Earth. Never give a child a head pat. Patting someone on the head is rude. Because the higher up on the body something is, the more sacred it is, many Southeast Asians keep lucky charms in their shirt pockets rather than their pants pockets. The most courteous method to touch someone, for example, to catch their attention, is to softly touch their elbow. Friendships and even cowboys allow for and encourage touching. Sometimes, close friends of the same sex will hold hands. They are not gay, despite this.
Waving is less offensive than pointing with a finger, yet both are considered rude. If you need to draw attention to someone, give them a quick glance and a slight nod. The girls in some massage parlors have numbers on them so they could enjoy being pointed at. If you must beckon someone with your hand, the ideal way to do so is with the palm down and your fingers pointing in your direction. However, this is considered disrespectful because parents use it to call their children and people on the street use it to flag down a bus or hail a cab. In addition, it is forbidden to eat with the left hand, accept gifts with it, shake hands, or pass anything with it. Even if you are left-handed, which is common in Thailand, this is true. Crossing your arms or gesturing with your arms are considered aggressive and intimidating stances. Being disrespectful also includes throwing things and putting your hands in your pockets.
