Thai society prides itself in looking appropriate and well dressed at all times. This is what “appropriate” means in Phrao.
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Shirts
Shoulders should be covered at all times, therefore, NO tank-tops, halter-tops or muscle shirts. For the ladies, bras are a must and should not visible through shirts (for example, no black bras under white shirts). Shirt necklines should be modest and not too loose or wide. (Check yourself. When you bend down no one should be able to see anything through your collar).
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Pants
No hip-huggers or low-riders. You will sit on the floor a lot so pants should fit comfortably. (Butt cracks, underwear, lower backs, and mid-rifts should not be visible at any time whether standing or sitting).
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Skirts, shorts and dresses
Skirt hemlines should fall past the knee while standing and can be slightly above the knee while sitting on the floor. Shorts, too, should reach the knee!
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Footwear
Shoes are not worn indoors in Thailand. Shoes are not worn inside classrooms and offices, therefore, plan on wearing flip-flops or other shoes that can be taken off and put on easily.
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Colors
Yellow - Please consider wearing yellow on Mondays to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the King’s rule. Black – please do not wear all black outfits. Wearing completely black outfits is considered a faux pas in Thai society. Black tops and bottoms can be worn separately with a bright or light colored clothing counter part (for example, black pants with a yellow shirt or khaki pants with a black shirt).
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Make-up
Make-up should be very understated if worn at all. Jewelry, too, should be understated. Small town Thais do not favor a gaudy, heavily accessorized look.