Thailand Public Affection
 

ok, it's a strange question. Every guide book I've read has said that Thais consider public affection a bit ... off. This from the bar girl capital of the world but ... whatever. How true is this in cities like BKK and Chiang Mai? My hsb and I are pretty affectionate and ... well I don't want to insult anyone but then I don't want to overreact either. Go ahead, have a giggle. But I am curious !!

Play it by ear, or lip, or bum, or whatever!

Seriously, I noticed a fair bit of hand-holding etc. on the skytrain late December!

I should think it would be OK to be discreetly affectionate & hold hands & have a quick peck when you feel the need, but blatant face-sucking & fondling might be a bit much for many Thais.

Just suck it and see!

Thais are rather conservative about public displays of affecton. Observe others and be discrete.

Oddly enough it's only displays of affection between opposite sexes that is frowned upon. Thai girls are always walking around holding hands, plus you see them cuddling each other. Men as well can often be seen holding hands or with an arm around a friend. All these actions between same sexes are looked upon as a sign of true affection for a good friend. But similar behaviour between the opposite sexes is poor taste. However, this is a bit of an old fashion attitude and is changing these days, so now you'll often see young Thai couples hand in hand or with a arm around each other.

Thanks everyone. We're not exactly teens so no face sucking ;) We just genuinely like each other. I'll observe and go with the flow.