[Carfanate]

Sawadee ka-

Hi all! I am new to this forum, and have scanned through... not entirely diligently, so if this topic has been discussed already I didn't see it. I plan on being in Thailand later this year for some schooling. For about 3 months at the least. So I do want to make sure that I am respectful of Thai culture and what not. I've been researching a lot online about what is deemed inappropriate and what isn't. I gather that going to religious sites and temples obviously a woman needs to be very modest. My questions might sound dumb... so I apologize for any ignorance in advance... but are jeans considered to be immodest for women to wear to a temple? And I was also wondering... I've read don't wear sandals that show your toes... but then I read they don't allow shoes at all in temples... so would that matter much what kind of shoes you wear if you take them off anyway?

Also in just ... everyday life... I'm gathering that tank tops and spaghetti straps are kind of considered immodest. I'm wondering how big of a taboo is this? And is it the same for shirts that aren't say... spaghetti strap but like... an inch to 2 inch strap... I know... strange questions... And I gather shorts are also bad. But that's okay because I look terrible in shorts and the thought of a culture that doesn't wear shorts excites me! But... are bermuda shorts... in that category too? As they do cover the entire thigh and are knee length, it seems that would be something far more acceptable... but is it still something that's not exactly... looked favorably on?

And how does this differ in regular everyday life compared to beaches? Thanks for anyone that replies! It will be such great help! I really don't want to be that ignorant crazy white woman wandering the streets of Thailand with no clue how offensive she is to Thai people.

And if this is something that belongs in another forum and I missed it... please let me know and I'll post it there instead.

Korp kun mahk ka TennilleF1