Business Etiquette

Below are a few guidelines on what to do and what not to do when you get to know Thai people. Observing a few simple rules will help you to understand the culture and will be much appreciated by your Thai colleagues and clients.

Understanding Thai People

The Thai people are well known for their friendless and their ready smile. It would not be too far wrong to say, in general terms, that they are soft spoken, gentle in manner and quick to respond to friendliness in others.

Once you make friends with a Thai, you are likely to be invited to his or her home, to parties and other social occasions. Be ready to accept. Some Thai’s are overwhelmingly hospitable and generous, a quality, which is, at times, misunderstood by foreigners who are newcomers to Thailand. Of course, one tends to be cautious (especially in a new country) with new people and new surroundings.

To help you understand some of the traits of Thais, a brief outline of some of their characteristics follows:

Gregariousness

Thais tend to be rather gregarious. A Westerner admires individualism, initiative, change and progress; his general character structure is competitive and inquisitive. A Thai prizes conformity, quiescence, stability, traditionalism and he tends to admire a person of high birth and breeding. A Westerner feels that plain speaking, a touch of irony and a show of anger useful devices in obtaining his own way. A Thai when interacting with Westerners, may show no outward resentment nor put forward a strong argument and, on the contrary, may accept assignments, questions, orders with a compliant attitude at the risk of not fully understanding what is being directed at him. A Thai is happy and confident amongst his friends. He is very much a part of a group, of his circle and his community. Subsequently, you will find that friendly ‘get together’ and other forms of merrymaking are frequent.

A Thai as a Buddhist

Thailand is largely a Buddhist country and Buddhism has a considerable influence on the Thai life and philosophy. The Thai is taught about reward and retribution. If one commits a ‘bad’ deed, one will suffer. Good or bad, if his actions have an effect on others, they will also have the same effect on himself. Most Buddhists believe in this teaching. As a result, a Thai Buddhist holds this particular sense of morality and value. For example, if a man makes his gain through corruption, underhand practices or cheating others, he will eventually pay for such misdeeds, one way or another. A person who has been practicing good deeds will, in turn, be rewarded in this life or the approaching one.

Along these lines, a Thai can be said to also believe in fate - that his life’s fortunes or misfortunes have been allocated to him and he can do very little to prevent them. A poor man may lay the blame for his poverty on his past misdeeds or his lot, rather than on society.

Buddhism also teaches contentment - one should not crave for more or be jealous of others’ happiness or fortune. This belief somehow induces less ambition in some. Foreigners tend remark that Thais are generally happy-go-lucky people, smiling, friendly, and carefree. To a large extent this is quite true, especially in the country and villages.

Growing up Thai

To earn respect and how to show respect, are two of the earliest tasks a Thai child has to lean. He/she is taught that due respect should be paid to superiors, monks, novices and nuns, and to those who are older and higher in status. Going hand in hand with learning respect is practicing how to listen and obey. By obeying, he or she shows respect to the person concerned. In most cases, a child may not like to ask questions because curiosity in children tends to be considered impolite. Submissiveness can be a result. Sometimes voicing an opinion in an outspoken or aggressive manner is also considered as showing a lack of respect for the person concerned. In this regard, Thais in general tend to be soft-spoken and compliant. However, amongst equals, they can be loud and jovial.

Qualities Commanding Respect
 

Means of Showing Respect

As mentioned above, a Thai child learns to listen and obey and also to greet and to show appreciation. In greeting and saying "Kob Khun" (thank you), he accompanies his words with a traditional "wai" - that is, raising his cupped palms to his chest so that the tips of his fingers touch his chin when he slightly bows. To show more respect he will bend his head even lower while raising his palms higher up on his face.

In greeting, Thais will say "Sawadee Krap" if a male or "Sawadee Kha" if female simultaneously with the "wai". This is also used for saying goodbye. When saying "thank you" they will sometimes perform the "wai" with or without saying "Kob Khun"

After the preliminary greeting, you may notice that a student in front of a teacher or subordinate in the presence of his superior (mostly in government offices), exercises control of his manners, including his voice, so that he will not be obtrusive or over- bearing. He is likely to say yes to most requests or opinions at the risk of not fully understanding, or even if he disagrees. He will seldom make inquiries, being afraid of intruding into matters, which are considered impolite.

For the foreigner to appropriately show respect or to be courteous, he/she has to understand Thai mannerisms and beliefs. For example, they must know that Thais hold a great of respect for a person’s head, which should not be touched by another person. Also feet, which are the lowest part is the body, must not be used to point at objects. One must especially not raise or point one’s foot or feet towards another person, because doing so is considered insulting and disrespectful.

Face-Saving and Losing Face

Like most Asians, face-saving is the norm. It is also a kind of respect one hold towards another, to prevent the other person from losing face. A Thai may consider losing face a disaster to his name and person. He may resort to extremes at times, to save his face. Sound advice in his case is that you should not rebuke or shame him in any way in front of his family, friends, work colleagues or the general public. Otherwise he may cause disaster in return in the form of revenge or some other action.

The "never mind" Attitude

The never mind attitude (or "mai pen rai") is quite notable in most Thais. It seems to be a mixture of easy-going manner, submissiveness, magnanimity and a dislike of harsh words. A Thai may tend to wave aside a slight mistake or forgetfulness by saying "mai pen rai". On the other hand, he or she is likely not to turn up at an appointment or at a party, though he or she accepts the invitation. A Thai accepts it because they dislike saying no. Then the "mai pen rai" attitude comforts them that if they do not turn up no one will miss them. If the can also then say "mai pen rai" and mean it, that’s all the better.

Do’s and Don’ts

Following are hints on what should and should not be done in various situations.

In a Thai home  

It is important that you know how to greet your Thai host correctly. Be watchful for signs of greeting and be careful to return the same greeting, For example, if your host extends his hand in a handshake, you should reciprocate. If he "wais" then you act accordingly. WHEN ENTERING A THAI HOME IT IS NORMAL TO REMOVE YOUR SHOES.

When sitting down, never place your feet on a nearby table or chair, or sit with your feet pointing directly at a person. This is considered extremely impolite. Similarly it is offensive to sit with your legs crossed, or point to our move anything with your feet. Never touch anyone on the head. In Thailand the head is regarded as a very high, sacred part of the body and you should strictly observe this practice, especially with adults and those more senior than you. Also avoid touching people on the arm, back, shoulder, etc. This may be quite acceptable in your own country. However, in Thailand it may cause offence, especially to females.

Keep your voice at a moderate level always. Never shout or speak loudly as Thais are usually very quiet, polite people and they regard a loud voice as ill mannered.

Watch Out For

Straight forwardness

Thai people are basically very straightforward and they are likely to ask you quite personal questions about your age, family life, etc. To a Thai this is not regarded as prying, but as showing an interest in you and your life.

Invitation to stay for a meal

A Thai host will often spontaneously invite you to stay for a meal with seemingly little advance preparation. Don’t feel reluctant to accept, as there is always enough food to go around because Thai -style food is prepared in such a way that one or two more persons make very little difference

Buddha images

In many Thai home Buddha images are placed on an altar, the altar is always in the highest possible place in a room and never on the floor. These objects are never used as decoration; they are regarded as sacred religious relics. Do not handle these or show disrespect towards them.

Manners

When greeting senior members of a Thai household who are unaccustomed to strangers and un -Westernized in their outlook, it is advisable not to extend your hand unless the party offers his first. A bow or nod of the heads is quite acceptable in this situation.

You as a houseguest

Most Thai hosts would not expect any compensation for their hospitality; they would feel honored if you accepted. A gift in return would be a nice gesture, but this should not be in the form of cash. Flowers are always acceptable.

Food

Try your utmost to taste everything that is offered as this well compliment your host or hostess

Meeting Government officials and Thai business people

Extreme courtesy should be observed and formality in dress and politeness are recommended. Appointments are necessary. The codes of behavior, which were mentioned earlier, should be observed i.e. pointing feet, loud voices, etc. Do not be impatient as it is not unusual to be kept waiting. Note that if you do make an error, trying to correct it sometimes makes the situation worse. Thais are very tolerant of foreigners’ behavior and they usually understand that a mistake is not intentional.

Theatres

The Royal Anthem is always played at the beginning of a performance. Please show respect for this tradition by standing quietly until the anthem is finished.

Temples

When visiting a Thai temple it is essential for both men and women to be properly attired. Men should not wear shorts, sandals or shirts with sleeves rolled up, but should wear long pants and a neat shirt. Women should not wear backless or very short dresses or shorts. A casual cool dress, preferably with sleeves, would be suitable. Please show respect for religious objects. When entering the temple’s main sanctuary, you should remove your shoes and make sure never to stand close to a Thai who is kneeling in prayer, or sit with your feet pointing towards the Buddha.

Do not touch monks or novices

This is especially applicable to women. A Buddhist monk or novice is not allowed to touch a woman so be careful when walking past to avoid contact. Also, don’t involve monks or novices in any personal activities, such as asking them to pose for your photographs. You may notice that Thai laymen when in conversation with monks often lower themselves or squat on the ground. In your case you can simply avoid standing too close to his person.

Thai Royal Family

The Thai people have the utmost respect and loyalty towards their Royal Family. Please do not criticise the Royal Family in any way. This behavior greatly offends the Thais and, in addition, it is a criminal offence called lese majeste. Placing portraits of the Royal Family in an appropriately high place in your office or home, as a gesture of respect, will be appreciated by Thais.

Some Traditional Thai Values

- An emphasis on BEING
  How you are and who you are, may be more important than results
  achieved
- An emphasis on PROCEDURES and PROCESS
- A need to be LIKED and LIKEABLE
- A focus on the PRESENT MOMENT, rather than on future or past
- STATUS and HIERARCHY provide the structure of Thai society on all levels
  in all areas
- An emphasis on RELATIONSHIP building and maintenance, above most
  Western values
- PHAKPHUAK is the Thais’ extensive friendship network and professional 
  connections
- The "Five S’s" taught to all Thai school children as central to life and work:

SA-AT: Clean in both the physical sense and morally/ethically
Suphap: Polite
Sanuk: Fun, pleasure
Saduak: Convenient
Samruam: Decorous and proper

Some Other Important Behaviours

• MOHSOM Appropriate and suitable
• RAKSANHA To save face, both one’s own and others
• SAKSRI One’s dignity, self esteem and self image
• HAI KIAT Giving honour, respect and dignity to others of equal or higher status
• NAM JAI Generous without expecting return
• HEN JAI Sympathetic and understanding of others
• JAI YEN Cool and patient -vs-
• JAI RAWN Hot hearted, angry, impatient
• KRENG JAI Considerate and unassuming, not wanting to inconvenience those of higher status
• BARAMEE The power and strength which good leaders derive from being able to command respect and loyalty
• PHRADET Traditional authoritarian style of Thai business management
• PHRAKHUN Traditional system of managerial patronage upon which PHRADET is based

For an understanding of how the Thai and Western Cultures differ, consider these values, which are held to be important in the West

• An emphasis on DOING
• An emphasis on RESULTS ("the bottom line") and ACHIEVEMENT rather than on process
• A need to be CORRECT and SUCCESSFUL
• A focus on the FUTURE
• Personal accountability and COMPETENCE
• PRECISION and EFFICIENCY
• Volunteerism and initiative taking are viewed positively
• A critical-analytical approach is the norm
• Frankness and directness
• Openness
• Assertiveness
• Time commitments and punctuality are taken extremely seriously
• Change and creative innovation are highly valued
• Risk taking and self-starting behavior are seen as positive
• Objective truth is of primary importance
• Egalitarianism: theoretically at least, "all men (and women!) are created equal"
• In business: brain storming, short and long range planning and delegation of decision-making are normal