Do Not Point
In Thai culture, pointing is regarded as highly impolite. If you need to indicate a person, a more respectful gesture is to lift your chin in their direction. However, it is acceptable to point at inanimate objects or animals, but it is best to use your hand instead of a single finger for pointing.
An ancient myth reinforces the cultural aversion to pointing passed down through Thai generations. According to this myth, when children point their fingers at rainbows, they are told that their fingers will fall off as a consequence. This cautionary tale discourages pointing and promotes more respectful gestures in Thai society.
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