Thailand

WHAT CAUSEd
THE BANGKok uprising?

seen from a

cultural point of view

Background
Formerly known to the West as Siam.
Thai means free so Thailand is the Land of the Free.

The official name is The Kingdom of Thailand.

The country is a constitutional monarchy and has a close relationship with the US.

In 2013, Thailands population was over 69 million.

~95% of the people are Buddhists (mostly the Theravada school); ~4% are Muslims.

Economy
2nd largest in Southeast Asia after

Popular amongst the Tourism industry.

Main exports include: rubber,

rice, textile, hard-disk drives.

US is Thailands biggest export market.

Education
Past
Seen as the key to national security and
development, and so schools were run
by Buddhist monks in Wats
(monasteries).

Today
Schools are no longer held in Wats;
they are now run by the Government.

Hofstedes . . .
. . .Cultural
Dimensions
Cultural Dimensions

64

64
45
20

Power
Distance

IDV

34

MAS

32

UAI

Pragma- Indultism
gence

Cultural Values

Family
Respect
Satisfaction with natures tempo
Simplicity
Love of freedom

Rejection of Western work ethics

Kindness
Reluctance to initiate change
Interest in Western education

USA/Thai Horizon
Horizon
USA/Thai

Leadership & Status

1257:

The Kingdom of Sukhothai adopted

the paternalistic system of
government.

1932:

Changed from absolute to

constitutional monarchy.

Thais believe that...

Authority and power = natural to the human condition
Theres a clear hierarchy of status that is well-accepted
Possibility of social mobility

Space and Time

In encounters
Friendly; stand close (non-tactile)

Cyclical concept of time

Success depends more on
luck than on timing; Thais
dislike deadlines

t
n
e
t
n
o
c
w
lo
t
x
High conte
culture

e
iv
it
s
o
p
e
b
n
a
c
Hypocrisy

Anger revenge
Humor is widely
used

Communication Patterns

Cultural Factors in
Communication

Listening Habits

Cultural Factors in
Communication

Give no
feedbac
k
t
p
u
r
r
e
t
n
i
Dont
r
e
k
a
e
p
s
a
Obedie
nt
l i s t e ne
rs

Behaviour at Meetings
and Negotiations

Since Buddhism discourages competition, Thais

are not overly ambitious and are reluctant to
initiate change.

Work tempo changes acording to the boss

presence.
Easy work for sufficient pay is
better than Hard work for high
pay.

Discussions are brought

upward.

x x Manners and Taboos x x

Avoid direct confrotation
Everyones pride is important
Superiors arent to be challenged

How to Empathize
with the Thais

Be easy-going socially
Emphasize their Independence
Respect the monarchy
Think of time as cyclical
Dont rush them
Learn the basics of Theravada Buddhism
Know Thai history

Latest news:
Bangkok Uprising
Siblings

Yingluck Shinawatra
Current PM of Thailand

Thaksin Shinawatra
Former PM of Thailand

The society is divided in two: pro-government and anti-government, in the new election
period. Many do not agree with Yingluck Shinawatra to register for PM again due to her
brother Thaksin Shinawatras alleged act of corruption during his period of reign.
---The anti-government prepares to hinder the election of the PM, because of the
possibility of Yingluck winning the election.

Thank you