Body Language in Thai Tradition: Walk, Posture, Gaze and Voice

Thai tradition reads character not only from the face and hands but also from how people move, stand, look at others and speak. These old sayings were used to size up new acquaintances; today they make an interesting mirror for our own habits.

The way you walk

Walking upright with an even stride

A steady, dependable mind and good fortune. A smooth rhythm, neither too slow nor too fast, shows sincerity, loyalty in love and a comfortable life.

Walking with a graceful, unhurried step

Well brought up, poised and admired, with success in life.

Walking chest forward, arms swinging in rhythm

Brave, strong-minded and self-confident, a natural leader who tends to succeed.

Taking one deliberate step at a time

Careful and thorough.

Walking fast

Impatient and quick to act, sometimes careless; quick to anger but quick to forgive.

Heavy heels

Strong-willed and likes to have their own way. A very heavy tread is said to show a life of hard physical work.

Dragging the feet

The old texts link this with a lack of energy and a love of comfort; lifting the step is said to lift your luck.

Short steps on the toes

Particular and fussy, careful with money.

An uneven or wandering stride

Changeable plans; the tradition advises making words and actions match.

Arms swinging out of rhythm

Unsettled and hard to predict; not yet ready to lead.

Head and shoulders bowed

Easily discouraged and lacking self-confidence; shy and slow to put themselves forward. Lifting the gaze is the first step to more confidence.

Looking left and right all the time

Restless and watchful; the tradition advises kindness and trust.

Head leading the body

Hasty and impatient. Walking with the chest puffed out is read as boldness that can tip into recklessness.

Sighing and muttering while walking

Big plans and big ambitions, but with too much focus on gain.

The way you stand

Arms folded, standing straight

Careful, thoughtful and calm, a dreamer who weighs things up, with a hint of pride.

Hands clasped behind the back

Proud and self-assured, bold and willing to take risks, extremely patient and hard to outwit.

Hands in the pockets

Sociable and generous but private: keeps their own affairs to themselves.

Standing with the head down, avoiding eye contact

Lacks confidence in company and finds it hard to speak up, so others may take advantage. Practising eye contact helps.

The way you look at people

A direct, steady gaze

Honest, brave and truth-loving, very frank and sometimes blunt; independent and hard to command.

A sideways glance

The old texts read this as pride and hidden motives; an open, friendly look builds trust.

Avoiding eye contact

Soft-hearted and kind, but needs more courage and initiative.

A calm, still gaze that rests on things

Cool-headed and thoughtful; slow to fall in love, but devoted once they do.

Bright, clear, shining eyes

Intelligent, sincere and kind-hearted. Wide, bright eyes with a lively sparkle are the classic sign of success and respect.

Restless, darting eyes

Sociable and flirtatious, with changeable moods.

The way you speak

A pleasant, natural voice

Reasonable and trustworthy, respected by others, with good fortune and plenty.

Speaking gently and modestly

Well mannered, sincere and a good friend.

Speaking slowly, with examples

Sincere, calm and careful, if rather serious about life.

Talking at length

Finds it hard to stick with one thing; focus brings progress.

Oversharing private matters

Finds secrets hard to keep; discretion builds trust.

Repeating themselves

The tradition advises listening more and making room for others.

Boasting

The old texts warn that big talk without action loses respect.

Long pauses while speaking

May be covering a lack of confidence; preparation helps.

A very soft, nervous voice

Cautious and anxious, not yet comfortable in a leading role.

An uneven voice, loud then soft

The tradition advises openness, as listeners may find it hard to read their intentions.

Staring while speaking

Critical and commanding; the lesson is to soften their approach.

Blinking, rolling the eyes or shaking the head while speaking

Changeable moods; steadiness and reliability are the lessons.

Speaking without thinking

Says whatever comes to mind regardless of time and place, which can lead to gossip and misunderstandings. Thinking before speaking is the remedy.

Shoulders

Broad, level shoulders

Intelligent, strong-minded and hard-working, with presence and steady progress. Shoulders that are broad and even with the upper body mark someone who succeeds young and is respected.

Left shoulder higher than the right

Diligent and good at business, building up plenty of assets.

Right shoulder higher than the left

Generous and open-handed, but needs to learn to save.

Wide shoulders with a square face

Very capable in many fields, hard-working and determined.

Hunched, raised shoulders

The tradition reads tense shoulders as worry and hardship; relaxing them is said to invite better luck.