1. Consider your hosts: The typical Thai (and by ‘typical’ we preclude all Bangkok bar girls) dresses modestly, often keeping knees and shoulders covered. Rules are bent for tourists – Koh Samui, for example, is a relaxed resort island and shorts & T-shirts are the uniform. Still, a huge emphasis is placed on appearance – being clean and well put-together. Do you have dress code questions? Before you start packing, quickly learn what to wear in Thailand.