Use your right hand to receive the business card and use your left hand for support placing it under the right arm's elbow. Moreover, you must follow Thai culture and traditions to get more involved with the locals. A non-Thai business executive might demand explanations about working performances in a firm. However, you might want to use a more breathable fabric like silk or cotton to combat the extreme temperatures in the country. Thailandhas never, as many other Asian countries have, been a colony, why English is not a natural language for Thai people. It is a guiding principle in a business and work setting, meaning Thais will generally seek to make work a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Don't point. Why Do Middle Eastern Men Wear a Chequered Headdress? Here you'll learn how to make a good impression on potential partners, communicate effectively, and avoid cultural faux pas. On the other hand, those falang with a little more grace find they gain more respect from colleagues and peers. Thailand is the only country in South East Asia to successfully resist being colonised. Thailand is not the sort of place you can make jokes about the monarchy, even if it is only meant as a joke. Doing Business in Thailand Why Thailand? Women can wear suits, dresses or modest blouses and skirts. The Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce website provides general information on the business environment, legal issues, immigration requirements and more. . Its reserved only for funerals. Equally, if you go to someones home or even some public spaces, then you will be required to remove your shoes. With the exception of the very south near the Malaysian border (where a number of Thais are Muslim), Thailand is predominantly Buddhist. 1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA.+44 0330 027 0207 or +1 (818) 532-6908, 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK.1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA.+44 0330 027 0207+1 (818) 532-6908. When you find yourself in a tricky situation, need to calm a situation or simply dont know what to do just smile! Small token gifts are frequent and often an appreciated gesture. Cities Airports Beaches Thailand: Doing business and staying in touch Doing Business in Thailand Most people in senior management speak English apart from in very small companies, or those situated outside the industrial belt of Bangkok, where English is not widely spoken. info@ima.uk.com, General enquiries switchboard Wai gestures are offered to a person of equal or greater status, whereas, subordinates should offer a wai first. The King in Thai culture is closely wrapped into Thai identity and Buddhist belief systems. Neutral colours are preferred; bright colours arent the best choice for business meetings. Many Danish companies have already discovered the potential and are represented in Thailand. The typical greeting in Thailand is the wai, which involves you placing your hands together in prayer form and making a slight bow of your head. It is also a good idea to reconfirm the meeting the day before the arranged day. Thus a business manager from a high context culture may not understand the reasons why those in a high context culture act in a certain way (Taras et al., Citation 2009). Updated 1 Nov 2022 Business culture in Thailand What's this about? If you have an experienced guide by your side, or friends whove lived in Bangkok, navigating Thailand business etiquette and social customs is a breeze. Although Thai culture is tactile, this is reserved for friends and family only. Use of English is more common in larger businesses, particularly in Bangkok, but proficiency is low or non-existent in the majority of the population, including many SMEs and in rural areas. While the business culture at some of these companies will be familiar, the general work environment in Thailand is extremely different to what most Western expats are used to. Do not out your arms around people, slap them on shoulders, hold their arms and very importantly, never touch someone on their head as this is considered holy. The following provide resources and guidance to get started. Presentations should be factual and easy to understand, including facts and figures to back up your conclusions. If you are considering expanding your business to Thailand, starting a joint venture, or having important business meetings in the country, it is important that you understand Thailand business culture. While Thai customs may seem very conservative to some westerners, Thai people are generally very relaxed and easy-going and will rarely take offence if a foreigner fails to . Thais, especially those who have not studied abroad, tend to not be very proficient in English; therefore it is a good idea to check whether an interpreter will be necessary. Introduce people in order of seniority. whole, the Thai culture is a lot more relaxed than in other countries. Your business cards should be printed in Thai on one side. Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. As such, its extremely unlikely that you will find anyone losing their temper or displaying anger in Thailand. Look at the card to show respect for the importance of the giver and try to pronounce the first name. A unified, searchable interface answering your questions on the world's cultures and religions. And I'm not alone.". Planning is short-term. No matter how embarrassed you may be about joining in, its better than the alternative. Business culture in Thailand is very much relaxed compared to a lot of other South Asian countries, but Thai people place great importance on building business relationships. In Bangkok, business attire is more formal and conservative than in other parts of the country. You should meet up with Thai people and have dinner with them at places like Anantara Golden Triangle to lay the foundation for a strong business relationship. Please note: Following the recent death of King Bhumibol of Thailand on the 13 October 2016, check locally for possible changes to public holiday dates for 2016-2017. You dont have to do the traditional greeting, but if your business partner does it, you should follow suit. Most Thai businesses will likely offer a handshake, but it will always be appreciated if you try to wai as well just respond if it is offered. (0) 2 343 1100 press 1 Please contact us if you'd like to contribute. Business etiquette, language & culture Language Thai, the national and official language of Thailand and sometimes known as Siamese or Central Thai - together with a number of Thai variants - is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Relationships are another important part of working in Thailand. Foreign business contacts are not expected to initiate a wai, but it is an insult not to return the wai. If you're travelling to Thailand for business and serious about making a good impression, then ourOnline Thailand Cultural Awareness Training e-Learning Courseis a must! - Always have multiple business cards on hand (exchanged in business and non-business situations). go.gov.sg/open). This book is an insiders account of Thai leadership based on ethnographic research. By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.commisceo-global.com/, 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. Hierarchies define not just the working environment but Thai society as a whole. lock () A top tip for doing business in Thailand is to always pack your best pairs of socks! It is considered impolite to start negotiating before being formally acquainted. Your email address will not be published. Heres a list of common business attire for Thai businessmen: Try to choose materials that breathe like silk or cotton. Khun is used for men and women, married or single. Consequently, it is an advantage with shoes that easily can come off and on. It is used when saying hello, thank you or full sentences and questions. You should also always treat images of Buddha with extreme respect. The value system around doing business in Thailand, however, remains similar to these countries. Causing embarrassment or loss of composure, even unintentionally, can be disastrous for business negotiations. Thai business culture is made up of long-held customs and beliefs, so you need to be a little tactful when you work with Thai people. For more information about the attitude of sanuk, see Sanuk in Core Concepts. In an organisation, most senior people are typically the oldest people, and they are tasked with making important decisions. By filling in a form, youll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. Thai Business culture follows Sanuk, i.e., achieve satisfaction in whatever you do and make a maximum from the situation. In fact, Thais are so famous for smiling that the country is often referred to as the Land of Smiles. Indeed the purpose of the discussions will not be so much about business as about deepening the relationship. Accounting operations like half-yearly or annual account audit, corporate income tax filing, bookkeeping, tax audit, payroll management, and tax return filing needs specialized Thai accounting professionals for error-free activities. Women have slightly more flexibility with colors except for bright red when choosing outfits, but generally should stick to: The most important rule of thumb for both men and women? For help expanding to Thailand, including company incorporation, recruitment, and PEO Employer of Record solutions, contact the experts at Horizons. Thai business culture tends to be more relaxed than other Asian economic powerhouses, such as China and Japan. Powerful connections are respected. Thais do not prefer direct communication and are unlikely to openly say no to offers. Who you know is important. The concept of face plays an important role in business interactions as people seek to maintain the reputation of themselves, their business and others. Thailand is somewhat conservative, so women are expected to dress a little modestly. +44 (0) 1298 79562. Thais dont always smile when they are happy and may in fact use smiles to diffuse difficult situations, such as when frustrated, upset or angry. Make sure you never put your feet on chairs or tables or stretched out pointing at others. A variety of multinational and other major companies in Thailand continue to use Bangkok as a base for their regional operations. The Complete Guide to Hiring Independent Contractors in Germany, Employers Guide to Employee Benefits in Vietnam, How to Hire Expats in China: Guide to Hiring Foreign Workers, Ecommerce in China: How to Sell Online + Legal Requirements. accidents and roads closed for VIPs can make a short journey very long. Receive or give gifts with the right hand and a wai gesture (place your hands in front, as if in prayer, and bow your head to the point where your nose touches your thumb). Temperatures can get pretty hot year-round. It is the 'face' of a person and a representation of your status. Avoid the bright and bold colors youre famous for back home and opt for something less intense instead. G-Yu Creative CEO Yupharet Eakturapakal points to the strategic . Rather than do this however, we have created an online training programme for those who need to get it right in Thailand. It is important for foreigners not to put their hands in their pockets while talking to someone. You can also smile and slightly nod your head as a friendly greeting to show respect when meeting someone new. During the introduction or when greeting someone, men say Sawatdee-krap and women say Sawatdee-kah. Business culture in Thailand is like Bangkok, it has many faces. Also, never keep Thai money in your socks. LinkedIn Hand them face-up and with both hands, and offer to the person with the highest social status first. Make sure you do the same. E-mail:[emailprotected], Phone: +66 The typical Thai greeting consists of the wai, where the hands are raised with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer, and the head slightly bowed. In this greeting, the palms are pressed together at chest height, with the fingers extended upwards and accompanied by a slight bow. If you become angry, then the situation will likely escalate and you will undoubtedly come out of it badly. Write to us at [emailprotected] for any and all types of legal and immigration support. A business card is more than just a piece of paper with information printed. This is common in South Asian countries, and its no different in Thailand. Age and appearance are especially important, and usually directly indicate social status and a person's position in the business world. In the beginning the Thai culture can seem a bit complicated. For some events with a social character the dresscode can be 'smart casual'. Keep an eye on the smile though and dont fall into the trap of taking it at face value. Make sure, therefore, that you clean your feet regularly as theres a great deal of dust and dirt on Thai streets and if youre wearing flip-flops or sandals then removing your shoes might become a source of embarrassment for you! Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm or 9am to 6pm with an hour for lunch. Typical users of the programme are those who are relocating as expats, or, visiting the country to progress business deals, manage suppliers or to meet with business colleagues. The concept of face plays an important role in business interactions as people seek to maintain the reputation of themselves, their business and others. Sathorn The junior person offers the wai first, and the senior responds. It is a good idea to consult a person who is living in Bangkok, the company you are visiting or an employee at the hotel before you leave. Please contact the U.S. embassy's economic and commercial team for any assistance at Office.bangkok@trade.gov. 2930 E. Northern Ave., Bldg. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. But you shouldnt worry too much as Thai people are known to be warm and welcoming. Whereas, surnames are for very formal occasions and written communications. People may ask you a lot of questions that you might think are personal, but this is just a way to get to know you better. It is common to be asked about your studies and the prestige of your Western degree. Senior managers play an almost paternal role issuing orders, demanding consultation on all decisions and expecting obedience. Hierarchy plays an important role in Thai society and the business world. Men and women have different ways to speak politely. Cultural Insights for Doing Business & Working in Thailand, online training programme for those who need to get it right in Thailand, Women in Export and Doing Business in the Far East, Why Joining The TPP Spells 'Cultural Competence' for British Business. There is a great formality in the wai and the level at which the hands are placed has great significance. If you are travelling to Thailand for work, then you really need to understand a little about Thai culture first. They need to be able to trust you and relate to you. Many Danish companies have already discovered the potential and are represented in Thailand. A host pays for the bill, so remember if you invite people to eat out, they will expect you to pick up the bill at the end. Thai people are good listeners and will rarely interrupt a speaker. Viewers of a certain age may well feel that . Although you may never know you have done something wrong, your behaviour will have you marked down as a typical falang (forieigner). 2nd Floor, 32 Park Green, First, the good news: Thai people are very relaxed, friendly and laidback. This is not expected and may be taken seriously. .gov.sg When visiting Thailand, you should offer a smile as a hello and always return them. Decisions are made on top of the hierarchy. Thais often give red Fanta as offerings to spirits. Most would prefer it over the traditional Thai greeting. The twist? Appointments for formal business meetings should be made well in advance with a written invitation that is often followed up by a phone call. Ethnically, this also makes the Thai people fairly homogenous. G-Yu Creative's CEO insists Japanese culture can win more popularity. Thailand is really relaxed in terms of dress code but there is a time and place for everything. Thinking of starting a business in Thailand or hiring Thai people for your business? The cultural context: A personal perspective In an attempt at exploring the labyrinth of Thai and Japanese cultures, the author leverages on his English is widely understood and is used by many in more corporate environments as the language of business in Bangkok. Keep things relaxed and positive and show sincere interest. Now as you know the domain for your business comprising all the essential operational, accounting, and legal frameworks, you are all set to start your business in Thailand. Work attire for Thailand business etiquette in Bangkok is formal and conservative. These are the two major reasons to why Thais have a harder time learning English than people from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the Phillipines for instance. Why is the Issue of Discrimination so Important for Expatriate Staff? Moreover, you must follow Thai culture and traditions to get more involved with the locals. The Thai alphabet is unique and only used in Thailand, so when a Thai has to learn English a new alphabet is to be learned as well. Stick to grays and browns since black is only used at funerals. Whether at work or on the beach, how you behave in Thailand is important. If youre off to Thailand for business or moving there as an expat, then we have compiled some essential cultural facts to give you an insight into Thai culture before you go. Learning your way around the Thai business culture does give you a huge advantage when making first impressions, though. Receive cards with both hands and study before keeping, ideally making a polite comment. Hierarchy. By understanding Thailand business culture, religion and social customs, you can show the proper respect to the Thai people and their culture to make a better first impression when visiting Thailand. Thailand's Japan Expo organizer urges J-pop to look outward. (CIA online sources 2015). All rights reserved, Bangkok: Silkworm Books, 2016. This makes business etiquette one of the most important soft skills you can ever learn. The World Bank's 'Doing Business Report' ranks Thailand as the 18th best place in the world to do business. It is common to make small talk before a Thai business meeting, with conversation about family, age, hobbies and education being usual topics. It is difficult for most Thais to criticize or give a direct yes/no response to difficult questions, so you should try to avoid putting them in an awkward position. Thai corporates often address one another by their first names and titles. Building a relationship is important in Thai business culture. Thus, it is important to remain patient. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. Banking, Money and Taxes in Thailandhas some useful information on financial matters. Being a hierarchical society, issues may need extensive discussion at all levels often over drinks, lunch or dinner before final decisions are made by senior management. Get a downloadable PDF that you can share, print and read. Thai culture is complex and colourful, but if there are 10 things you really need to know about behaviours to avoid when youre in the country, well heres our top 10. Thailand Business and Workplace Culture Wathsala Thalpe Assistant Manager- Digital Marketing at eMarketingEye Published Feb 19, 2022 + Follow Thailand is the second-largest economy in. Most businesses are owned by families and the head or . Instead, its important to develop a personal relationship with potential clients before you even start to talk about business. However, Thais are generally very relaxed and easy going, and laugh very easily they have a mai pen rai (it doesnt matter) attitude. this is acceptable and not seen as too informal. You should arrive on time as this shows respect for your hosts. While displays of public affection like pats on the shoulder or hugs are not common, you can show that you like someone with your friendly attitude. Take note that Thais also find foreigners treating sacred Buddha statues as selfies or photo opportunities very offensive. Do not forget to factor-in the traffic congestion in Bangkok, which can cause gridlock at times! Thai culture is rooted in Buddhist philosophy which is itself rooted in the idea of harmony. Avoid making exaggerated claims Thais prefer to conduct business with people who are honest and do not brag about their accomplishments or financial achievements. At a business meeting, punctuality is expected, and formal attire (suit and tie) should be worn. The online course plays an invaluable role in helping individuals navigate important business processes with insight, understanding and know-how. The culture of respect, politeness, and harmony means that you will often have to read between the lines and pay close attention to non-verbal . They do so only after several meetings have taken place with more senior partners. If you are based in Bangkok, you should wear formal business attire for meetings and other business events. In many cases, the first meetings revolve completely around lunch and entertainment. By prison, we are not just talking about a few weeks' punishment, sentences can in fact last 3 15 years per count of offence. This kind of behaviour is really frowned up in Thai culture. Businessmen often take their jacket off and hold it over their shoulders when it gets too hot this is acceptable and not seen as too informal. for any and all types of legal and immigration support. This is the original teaser for Indian filmmaker Sudipto Sen's controversial new movie, "The Kerala Story," the latest box office hit in India despite fears it is . Cheshire Monday and Wednesday 13.00-14.00 respects hierarchies and most people have, Make this process easier for people you come in contact with by, In Bangkok, business attire is more formal and conservative than in other parts of the country. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Business relationships form slowly, and it may take a few meetings to build up the trust needed to complete a business transaction. Most businesses of substantial size prefer visitors to make appointments. Knowing where to place your hands, and who should bow first, gets tricky, so its generally best to avoid this formal greeting until youve made a few local friends. Conservative and formal. If you insult the country and the King, you will almost certainly stop any chance of building good relationships with the Thai and it could possibly even lead to legal action. In general the business culture in Thailand is formal. Thai Cultural Homogeneity Thailand is the only country in South East Asia to successfully resist being colonised.
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