3 Strange Thai Laws Tourists Should Know Before Visiting Thailand
Thailand is famous for its beautiful beaches, welcoming communities, fascinating culture and incredible food. However, like every country, it also has its own laws and customs that may surprise international visitors.
Some rules that sound like travel myths are based on genuine Thai legislation. From carrying too many playing cards to taking a Buddha statue home, a seemingly harmless decision could cause unexpected problems.
Here are three strange Thai laws and customs worth understanding before your next visit to Thailand.
1. Carrying More Than 120 Playing Cards Can Be Illegal
Packing a deck of cards for your holiday might not seem unusual. However, Thailand has strict legislation controlling the production, importation and possession of playing cards.
Under Thailand’s Playing Cards Act of 1943, a person may not possess more than 120 playing cards unless the cards were produced by or officially stamped by the Excise Department. UK government travel advice also warns visitors that carrying more than 120 cards could result in prosecution, a fine or imprisonment.
The law was introduced as part of Thailand’s wider restrictions on gambling. Although a single ordinary deck is comfortably below the limit, bringing several decks, a large card collection or specialist gaming cards into the country could potentially create difficulties.
Visitors should also remember that gambling laws in Thailand are far stricter than those found in the UK. A casual game between friends may look innocent, but it is always sensible to avoid playing for money or taking part in anything that could be mistaken for illegal gambling.
2. Never Step on Thai Money
Imagine dropping a banknote on a windy day. Your first instinct might be to stop it from blowing away by placing your foot on it—but that is something you should avoid doing in Thailand.
Current Thai banknotes feature a portrait of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on the front. The monarchy is treated with considerable respect, and Thailand’s Criminal Code contains strict protections against actions considered insulting or threatening towards the King and other senior members of the Royal Family.
Because of this, deliberately stepping on a Thai banknote can be interpreted as highly disrespectful. The feet are also traditionally regarded as the lowest and least clean part of the body within Thai culture, making the gesture especially inappropriate.
Rather than worrying about the precise legal technicalities, the safest and most respectful approach is simple: always handle Thai baht carefully. Should a note or coin fall to the ground, pick it up with your hand instead of using your foot.
3. You May Need Permission to Take Buddha Images Home
Buddha statues are widely available in markets, souvenir shops and antique stores throughout Thailand. However, buying one does not necessarily mean you can place it in your suitcase and take it out of the country.
Thai Customs lists Buddha images, religious objects, antiques and certain works of art among the goods overseen by the Fine Arts Department. Export permission may therefore be required, depending on the object’s size, age and cultural importance.
Guidance concerning the export rules states that Buddha images larger than approximately 12 centimetres generally require written permission and an export permit. Small souvenir items may be treated differently, but travellers should confirm the requirements with the seller or the Fine Arts Department rather than assuming an item is exempt.
These restrictions help protect Thailand’s religious heritage and prevent important historic objects from being removed from the country. Buddha images are sacred religious representations rather than ordinary decorations, so they should always be handled and displayed respectfully.
Respecting Thai Laws and Culture
These rules may initially sound unusual, but each one reflects an important aspect of Thailand’s history and culture. The playing-card limit is connected to strict anti-gambling controls, the careful treatment of currency reflects respect for the monarchy, and export restrictions protect Thailand’s Buddhist and artistic heritage.
Visitors are not expected to understand every Thai law before arriving. However, learning a few important rules can help you avoid uncomfortable situations while showing respect to the country and its people.
During your stay at Sugar Palm, we want you to feel comfortable exploring everything the surrounding area and Thailand have to offer. A little preparation, cultural awareness and common sense will help ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.