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A Thai Culture Overview
Official name – Kingdom of Thailand
Population – 65,068,149 *
Official Language – Thai
Currency – Baht
Capital city – Bangkok
GDP – purchasing power parity $596.5 billion (2006 est.)*
GDP Per Capita – purchasing power parity $9,200 (2006 est.)*
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Overview
Known as the Land of smiles, Thailand is a country of natural beauty, tropical climate and
hospitable people. Thailand, previously called Siam, is the only Southeast Asian county never
to have been taken over by a European power. Thai people are very proud of this and it is
reflected in their culture. However, foreign colonial power in the countries surrounding
Thailand has resulted in a large external influence, especially in Bangkok, offering a good
balance between foreign and Thai culture. With a sense of humour and a welcoming attitude,
Thais are pleasant people who value the Buddhist tradition. Doing business successfully
with Thai people requires understanding the values and beliefs of Thai society.
Thai Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family – As the cornerstone of Thai society, family is given great value and importance. Thai
families are close and several generations may live in the same house, with the oldest male
being the head of the household. The power structure of the family is mirrored in the
organisational environment. Advice from elders is expected to be followed without question
although this is becoming less true with time and modernisation.
Indirect Communication – Being subtle and indirect is a valued characteristic in Thai culture.
In communication, a considerable part of the information lies in the underlying messages or
in the non-verbal cues. Not to lose face, Thai people avoid direct confrontations and criticism,
if given at all, is delivered indirectly.
Hospitality – The essence of Thai people’s nature, hospitality is visible in both social and
professional contexts. Thai people will welcome guests into their houses and show their
generosity by offering anything they might have. Service is highly valued and given with a
sense of modesty.
Doing Business in Thailand
Thailand, a monarchy after a bloodless revolution in 1932, is divided into four distinct
geographical regions and borders Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. With a population
of over 10 million, the capital city of Bangkok is the most important city economically and
politically. Often portrayed as a culturally homogenous country, while original Thai people
make up the majority of the population there are about 75 other ethno-linguistic groups.
Heavily dependent on export, Thai economy is currently growing. While Thailand's
traditional major markets have been North America, Japan, and Europe, economic recovery
among Thailand's regional trading partners is becoming more important. In order to conduct
business successfully in Thailand, there are a number of important issues to take into
consideration.
Thailand Business Part 1 - Working in the Thailand (Pre-departure)
- Working practices in Thailand
- Normal office hours are 8 a.m. to 5p.m. or 9 a.m. to 6a.m. with lunch between 12 p.m.
and 1 p.m.
- It is acceptable to be a little late for meetings, as it is often unavoidable in Bangkok
due to traffic jams, but calling to say that you are running late is appreciated.
- April and early May are the main holiday periods and business trips to Bangkok
should be avoided during this time as many staff will be on leave.
- English is commonly used in business, especially in large companies in Bangkok, and
presentations, proposals and contracts are acceptable in English. However, make sure
to use fairly simple and non-idiomatic language and if language is a problem,
interpreters should be offered.
- Structure and hierarchy in Thai companies
- Thai business reflects a society in which hierarchy and respect for seniors are very
important. Understanding social status of people and the vertical structure of a
company is essential for doing business with the Thais.
- Traditionally, women were underrepresented in the business world and especially in
managerial positions. However, this has changed and now women have equal rights
and protection as men, although some inequalities remain in the law. An increasing
number of women hold professional positions and women’s access to higher
education has grown, with more than half of university graduates being women.
- Working relationships in Thailand
- Building good relationships is an important part of business and the negotiation
process. Thais place great importance in “liking” their business partners
- Invitations to social activities from your Thai counterparts should always be accepted
as these are used as a means of getting to know each other before doing business
together.
- Informal conversations before of after a meeting are common and should not be
neglected. Thais may ask you personal questions about your age, marital status and educational background, to help them understand your place in the social hierarchyand how to build familiarity with you.
Thailand Business Part 2 - Doing Business in Thailand
- Business practices
- Thais are generally not confident decision makers and often need to consult with
several people before making a decision, leading to a lengthy process. However,
impatience should be avoided as it will be seen as a sign of weakness.
- The traditional common form of greeting is the “wai” when hands are raised with
palms together, fingers pointing upwards and with a bowed head. Younger and
lower-ranking people are supposed to offer the wai first to their senior counterparts. The higher one’s hands are placed, the more respect is shown.
- In Thai business, first names are generally used, preceded by the honorific title
“Khun”, used both for men and women. Note that Thais will tend to use first name as
opposed to last names even when using Mr and Miss.
- A high quality business card is an important asset in Thailand and should be
exchanged when initiated by the host. Cards should be offered to the most senior
person first and it is imperative that cards are given and received with the right hand.
Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
- DO wear business suites for meetings with trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and tie.
Women should normally wear skirt and blouses, covering the shoulders and upper
legs.
- DO give general praise to your Thai colleagues but avoid giving too specific praise in
regards to a Thai’s possessions as he or she may feel obligated to give you the item in
question.
- DO take off your shoes when invited into your Thai business colleague’s home.
- DON’T plan any meetings at the beginning and end of they day, these should be
avoided due to difficulties with transport to the work place.
- DON’T joke about or criticise the Thai King or Queen as these are to be treated with
respect and it is illegal to say or write anything offensive to royalty.
- DON’T touch your Thai colleague’s head as it is considered sacred according to
Buddhist tradition.
Thai Culture Quiz – True or False
- When receiving a gift from your Thai counterpart, make sure you open it in their
presence.
- When meeting your Thai business partner for the first time, you may be asked direct
questions about your age and salary.
- Putting your feet on the table touching anything with them is considered rude in
Thailand.
- In Thailand, showing emotions and losing one’s temper in public is acceptable.
- You do not usually do the traditional Thai “wai” greeting with children or service
staff.
Culture Quiz - Answers
- False. It is considered rude to open a gift in front of the giver. Gifts should be put
aside and opened later.
- True. This is done to establish the social ranks between strangers and is not
considered rude.
- True. Feet are seen as unclean.
- False. This is considered improper.
- True.
© Communicaid Group Ltd 2007
* Source: CIA World Factbook 2007
Author: Maja Warnstam, MA. Intercultural Communication |
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