Can men wear shorts in Thai temples, or does the knee-covering rule apply to both genders?

Apr 22, 2024
7 months ago
Rajeev ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can a man wear shorts in Thai temple or covering of knees applies to both men and women? Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
In Thai temples, the dress code typically requires both men and women to cover their shoulders and knees. While some temples might allow men to wear knee-length shorts, others have stricter regulations and may provide sarongs or charge for appropriate clothing if shorts are deemed unacceptable. It's essential to respect local customs and wear attire that covers the body appropriately—long trousers and sleeved shirts are often recommended as a safe choice.
Kim ******************
Just wear appropriate clothes long. But they provide you with covers , my gf is thai, she always has her shoulder and boobs out when we go. She covers herself with a ‘blanket’
Jacqueline *************
For both men and women, it is recommended to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, tank tops, shorts, or revealing clothing.
Nick *******
You can wear shorts but not a chang vest like so many old farangs do here
Stephen ********
cover yourself
Dave ********
Just show respect and wear long trousers and a sleeved shirt. Win-win
Benyathip **********
Lincoln *******
Depends on the temple, worst case scenario, they charge you 400 baht for some 100 baht elephant pants
Chris *********************
Dress respectively
Jeffrey ************
It's only ladies legs that lead the monks into temptation.
Jeffrey ************
Rajeev ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jacob *******
apparently yes, that’s what my guide told me.
Jacob ********
Mike ******
Shorts that cover the knee are never frowned upon "Cargo Shorts", but others might be. Except for the king palace. Long pants or cover up is required. They sell elephant pants there 150-250 baht.
John **********
Depends on the temple. Those that are used to tourists that don't like your shorts will often give you a sarong type cloth to wear
Carsten ************
@Bob *********
"give" means borrow and it's for free.
John **********
@Bob *********
not in my experience
Bob **********
@John *********
you mean sell you one
Jacob ********
Nice looking shorts, no wife beater shirts, or flip flops that along with half naked women is getting far to common.
Jack ****************
@Jacob *******
Oh, I'm not asking for me. I was curious if you were throwing western shade on the 60% of the Thai people who only own plastic sandals.
Jacob ********
@Jack ***************
no they should be fine. flip flops are sort of tacky.
Jack ****************
@Jacob *******
you think sandals are a problem?
Cathryn *****************
Men can wear shorts but a T-shirt is required
Dave **********
@Cathryn ****************
not true..all have different rules. Grand palace, shirts are not allowed either
Ross **********
Never had an issue wearing shorts
J ******************
Can vary not all have same rules however respect is essential
Lisa **************
Both
Detlef ***********
At least Rajeev you take the step to research this scenario to be compliant & respectful to Thai culture!! It is so frustrating to see so many tourists that are just plain ignorant , self indulgent & totally disrespectful to culture & peoples 😡
Juergen *****
Define shorts...

Short shorts not
Rajeev ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Juergen ****
upto the knees
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