Do You Need to Remove Your Shoes in Thailand?

I know shoes are removed in some places in Thailand, but I am not sure exactly when. Should I take them off in temples, homes, shops or restaurants?

You should normally remove your shoes before entering a Thai home and before entering designated indoor areas of temples and other religious buildings.

Some small shops, massage businesses, guesthouses and restaurants may also ask customers to leave their shoes outside. This is not universal, so the easiest rule is to look for a shoe rack, a sign, or simply observe what local people are doing.

At large shopping centres, hotels and ordinary restaurants, you normally keep your shoes on.

When visiting a temple complex, you do not necessarily remove your shoes as soon as you enter the grounds. Shoes are generally removed before entering the actual shrine or building where this is required.