Tipping is not a traditional part of Thai culture but has become widespread in tourist areas due to decades of international visitors. In Bangkok and resort destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui, tipping is generally expected by hospitality workers. In rural areas and local markets, tipping is much less common and not expected.
In tourist-facing restaurants and hotel restaurants, leaving 10% or rounding up to a convenient amount is appreciated. If a 10% service charge is already included on the bill, no additional tip is needed — but leaving a small cash amount directly for your server is still a kind gesture. In local Thai restaurants and street food stalls, tipping is not expected, though leaving small change behind is appreciated.
Tipping hotel staff is warmly welcomed in Thailand. Tip porters THB 20–50 per bag. Leave THB 20–50 per night for housekeeping. Spa therapists — a significant part of Thai tourism — typically receive THB 100–200 after a treatment. For a concierge who arranges tours, transportation, or activities, THB 100–200 is appropriate depending on the complexity.
In Bangkok, always insist on the meter in official taxis — it is legally required. Round up to the nearest 5 or 10 baht as a courtesy. For tuk-tuks, negotiate a price before getting in; tipping is at your discretion. Grab (the regional rideshare equivalent of Uber) is widely used and includes in-app tipping. For longer journeys or drivers who waited for you, THB 20–50 extra is appreciated.
In tourist areas, 10% for restaurants and small amounts for hotel staff are the norm. In local settings, tipping is not expected but always appreciated.
For a 500 THB restaurant bill, leaving 50 THB is appreciated. For a spa treatment costing 800 THB, a 100–150 THB tip is generous.
Tipping is never obligatory in Thailand, but it makes a real difference to workers in the tourism industry who depend on visitor generosity.