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Attending Thai Weddings, Funerals and Ordinations: Gifts, Dress and Merit-Making
If a Thai friend, neighbour or colleague invites you to a family ceremony, a few customs help. This page summarises cultural guides. Customs vary by family and region, so ask the host or a Thai friend. Reviewed in November 2026.
Weddings
A cultural guide says money is the usual gift, placed in an envelope, often the invitation envelope, and that families note amounts and reciprocate. One wedding site reports an average donation of 100 to 500 baht at an ordinary wedding, more for close or senior guests. Guides advise against wearing black, and some advise against all white, because those colours are associated with funerals. Many weddings include a monk's blessing and merit-making, and a water-pouring blessing where guests may drop an envelope in a basket. See the beach weddings guide for visitors' ceremonies.
Funerals
A visitor guide advises wearing black, white, grey or dark blue and avoiding bright colours, shorts and sandals. It reports that money is given in a white envelope, with 500 baht standard for acquaintances and 1,000 to 2,000 for close friends or family, and that wreaths are often sent by groups. Funerals can include several chanting sessions before cremation. See the guide on when someone dies.
Ordinations and merit
Money is also a common gift at ordination parties. A guide says that, as a guest, you should dress modestly and bring a gift only if the family suggests one. Merit-making means donating or offering food and is tied to the Buddhist calendar. Women should avoid physical contact with monks. See the etiquette guide and the religion guide.
This is general information, not medical, legal or insurance advice. Rules and conditions change, so check current official guidance for your situation.
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