Business Etiquettes/Manners In Thailand

» Business Etiquette & Manners in Thailand :

Meeting and Greeting

When being introduced or greeting someone, men say Sawatdee-krap and women say Sawatdee-kah.
Thais greet each other with a "wai." Foreigners are not expected to initiate the wai gesture, but it is an insult not to return the wai. If a wai is not offered to you, shake hands with men and smile and nod to women. A Thai business person may shake hands with a foreigner. Offer a wai only to a person of equal or greater status. Subordinates should offer a wai first.
Introductions are common only in a formal situation. Introduce yourself by your first name. Feel free to introduce yourself or ask for someone’s name. When introducing your business partner to an important Thai, mention your partner’s name first.

The inferior or lower-status person is always addressed first in an introduction. Thus, a child is introduced before its parents, a secretary is introduced before her boss.

Names and Titles

Thais address one another by first names and titles and reserve last names for very formal occasions and written communications. Last names have been used in Thailand for only the past fifty years and are difficult even for Thais to pronounce. Two people with the same last name are almost certainly related.

Foreigners are often addressed by their given names because it is easier for Thais; it does not imply familiarity. Thais will probably call you Mr. Joe or Mrs. Mary.

Khun is used for men and women, married or single. If you don’t know a person’s name, address them as Khun. Example: Anuwat (Given) + Wattapongsiri (Family) is Khun Anuwat.

Corporate Culture

Business decisions are slow. Decisions pass through many levels before being decided upon. Planning is short-term.

First meetings generally produce good humor, many smiles, polite conversation and few results. The second meeting should include a meal invitation. Meetings begin with small talk. Discussing business before becoming acquainted is impolite. Degrees, especially from prestigious universities, bring status. Thais may list these on their business card.

Negotiations may be lengthy. Process takes precedence over content. Slow information flow may delay discussions and decisions.

Thais prefer to work later in the evening rather than early in the morning. Business is kept separate from work. Family comes first before business.

Body Language

Touching between people of the same sex is more common in Thailand than in many other Asian countries. However, touching someone of the opposite sex is taboo. Do not show affection in public.

Never touch or pass anything over anyone’s head. The head is considered sacred in Thailand and must be respected.

Never point your feet at anyone or use your feet to move anything or touch anyone. Feet are regarded as unclean and symbolically (as well as physically) the lowest part of the body.

Do not put your hands in your pockets while talking to someone. Never put your arm over the back of the chair in which someone is sitting.

A smile is often used for many different emotions. It may be an apology, a thank-you, a greeting, or to show embarrassment. Be aware: A Thai’s smiling assurance does not mean you will in fact get what you want, when you want it. It simply reflects the Thai appreciation of harmony and their "never mind" attitude.

Don’t wave your hands about as you talk, giving Thais the impression that you are angry. Never pass anything with your left hand. Never point with your hand and never, never with one finger.

Dress

For Businessmen: Pants and shirts (white or colored) with or without a tie. A light suit or jacket adds status. In the evening, dark business suits or formal traditional Thai shirts are worn. Senior executives wear light weight suits to work.

For Businesswomen: Conservative dresses or skirts and blouses (not sleeveless). Simple blouses and calf-length loose pants and long wrap-around or tube skirts are common.

Gifts

Do not open a gift you’ve been given unless invited to do so. Thais generally do not open a gift in front of the giver.
In business, give Brandy, liquors, American crafts, books and desk attire are appropriate gifts.

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