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Grand Palace (The), Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Erawan Shrine
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Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Ancient City
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Business Do's and Don'ts in Thailand
It is important to understand that the Thai culture is multi-faceted and you will find that adherence to religious or social customs differs from region to region. However if you are planning to do business in Thailand a few pointers on general etiquette will smooth both the social and business activities you engage in.
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One of the greatest things that will be treasured by your Thai business partner is your attempts to speak the local language. It doesn't matter how poor your skills are, your business host will see that you have taken the time and effort to try and work in their local language. Your attempts to speak Thai will be kindly rewarded with smiles and even some linguistic guidance.
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It is common in Western society to greet business associates with a firm handshake. Although some Thai business people who regularly mingle with Western business people will also greet in this style, it is not customary in Thailand. It makes good business sense to stay with the customary Thai greetings. Thai people generally make their greetings by putting their hands together in front of them in the prayer position and slightly bowing. This gesture represents two significant cultural ideologies. The first is the idea of receiving your love; and the second is the 'love we have received we now return'. Introductions in Thailand are very important and it is considered very rude to rush one. The introduction is viewed strongly as a sign of respect.
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While Thai business people will often ask you personal questions about your marital or financial status, they do not consider these questions to be inappropriate or rude. This is all connected to the fact that a person's status is measured by both his personal and business accomplishments. As was earlier discussed, introductions are an important part of Thai business and a person's status according to these questions will later introduce you to other business people according to your relative status.
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Thai business people frown upon false pride or doing things for the sake of appearances. Nothing will loose you business more quickly than engaging in false pride. If you are trying to give the great sales pitch, make sure to avoid needless bragging about the achievements of yourself or your company. If you do make a faux pas the Thais will realise that you are not familiar with their ways but they may still view you with suspicion.
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To achieve maximum business success make sure you adhere to some of the more common Thailand business etiquette:
1. Make sure you do your homework! Learn the culture, learn some of the Thai language, and most importantly, recognise the status of those you are dealing with.
2. Be prepared to Lobby beforehand. Very often everything is settled before a business meeting, which then becomes just a formality. In Thailand business is never complete until the paperwork is complete. Remember that verbal agreements can change at any time.
3. You will always be treated as a guest. Make sure that you always behave with dignity and decorum.
4. Identify those of higher status as soon as a business meeting begins. All business relationships are hierarchical.
5. Socialise so that you understand the Thai ways. When you are not sure what to do look around and do as others are doing - When in Rome…
6. Placing your fist into your hand is considered to be an obscene gesture in Thailand.
7. Appreciate that business is conducted much slower in Thailand than other countries. Be patient.
8. Avoid boastful comparisons with how things are done in your company or country. Suggestions are always welcomed, but adopting an attitude of superiority will alienate you from those you are doing business with.
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Above all remember that Thailand is a hot and humid climate and business people will sometimes dress casually. Often business people will not wear a jacket but as a foreigner, it is considered a mark of respect in the business world for you to wear a jacket until you are asked to remove it by your business host.
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Thailand is a great country to do business. But as with most places, the culture and customs are different to what you are used to. If you take the time to study and research local business cultures you will be sure to gain your business associates appreciation. By doing your homework, you are sure to get the business you are seeking. Thailand is a land of respect and the cultural values can not be underestimated. Business dealings in Thailand can be slow but at the end of the day they are always result in long term prosperous business dealings.
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About The Author
Jason Drake is a resident expat in Bangkok, working for a multinational auto company. He writes occasionally for the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com - All of the materials on this site are the sole property and responsibility of Cheapthaitravel.com. This material may not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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| Do's and Don'ts in Thailand Articles |
 Do's and Don'ts in Thailand
By Alex Smith
Thai people are generally very welcoming and tolerant of outsiders. Hospitality and grace are very much a part of Thailand's make up. It is best to always approach people with a smile and good grace. This shows friendliness and respect and does Read more... |
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