Professional Travel in Thailand

The key to international business negotiations with Thailand can be summarized in one word: Patience.
-John Paul Fieg,
Thais respect hierarchical relationships, as such rank is always respected and social relationships are
defined as one person being superior to the other (in terms of occupational status, age, family role,
gender, etc.) As such, parents are superior to their children, teachers to their students, and bosses to their
subordinates. The eldest person in the group is always revered. The climate is tropical with three seasons:
hot, rainy and cool. Thailand is said to be the Land of Smiles.
For basic country demographics see the US State Department World Fact Book:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/th.html
Greetings
Thais DO NOT normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms
together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally, a younger person wais an elder, who
returns it. Watch how the Thais do it, and you will soon learn.
Higher ranking people do not normally wai to people of lower rank. Instead they smile and nod
in response.
Titles and rank are important. When possible, address Thais by title and first name. Thais always
introduce people of lower rank first.
Acceptable topics of conversation:
o Family, but only after youve developed a relationship (avoid complimenting
babies/children, Thais believe that praise attracts evil spirits)
o Travel
o Local cuisine
o Sports (especially soccer).
Unacceptable topics:
o Criticisms of Buddhism or the monarchy (its a crime to criticize or defame the royal family)
o Thailands war on illegal drugs
o Personal problems
o Thailands sex trade.
Business Card Etiquette
Business cards are given out after the initial handshake and greeting. In theory, you should give
your card to the most senior person first.
It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into Thai.
Using your right hand, deliver your business card so the Thai side faces the recipient.
Look at a business card for a few seconds before placing it on the table or in a business card case.
As in most Asian countries, it is polite to make some comment about the card, even if it is only to
acknowledge the address.

Gift Giving Etiquette

If invited to a Thai's home, a gift is not expected, although it will be appreciated.
Gifts should be wrapped attractively, since appearance matters. Bows and ribbons add to the
sense of festivity.
Try to avoid wrapping a gift in green, black or blue as these are used at funerals and in mourning.
Gold and yellow are considered royal colors, so they make good wrapping paper. Only use red
wrapping paper if giving a gift to a Chinese Thai.
Appropriate gifts are flowers, good quality chocolates or fruit.
Do not give marigolds or carnations, as they are associated with funerals.
Gifts are not opened when received.
Business Meeting Etiquette
Establishing good personal relationships based on trust and understanding is vital, as business
relationships stem from the development of positive social relationships.
It is good idea to send a list everyone who will be attending a meeting and their credentials in
advance, so your Thai counterpart knows the relative status of the people participating in the
meeting and can plan properly.
The pace of business is often slower than in Western countries and does not flourish after one
meeting. It is not a good idea to push things along at a faster pace.
Always send an agenda and material about your company as well as data to substantiate your
position prior to the meeting. Allow sufficient time for the material to be reviewed and digested.
Written material should be available in both English and Thai.
Thais avoid direct confrontation at all costs. They will never say no but instead make
implausible excuses or pretend they dont understand your request. A cool head and a pleasant
disposition are normally rewarded with a positive response.
When negotiating, be aware that if your Thai counterpart is focusing on small, insignificant
details as problems these may indicate larger problems that need your attention. Because your
Thai counterpart doesn't want you to lose face, or confront you directly, these little sign posts are
very important.
Do not be overly assertive as this is an indication of poor manners. Be respectful and courteous in
your social dealings and never lose control of your emotions
Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Appointments are necessary and should be made one month in advance.
You should arrive at meetings on time as it signifies respect for the person you are meeting.
Remain standing until told where to sit. The hierarchical culture has strict rules about rank and
position in the group.
Non-Verbal Communication
Thai communication is formal and non-verbal communication is often more important than verbal
communication. Be cognizant of both your own and your Thai colleagues non- verbal cues.
It is considered rude to point your foot at a person, so try to avoid doing so when sitting opposite
anyone, and following the conception that the foot is a low limb: DO NOT point your foot to
show anything to anyone, but use your finger instead.
Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body both literally and figuratively. As a result,
they DO NOT approve of touching anyone on that part of body; even in a friendly gesture.
Similarly, if you watch Thais at a social gathering, you will notice that young people go to
considerable lengths to keep their heads lower than those of the elder ones, to avoid giving the
impression of looking down" on them. This is not always possible, of course, but it is the effort
that counts.

Updated 1/2013

http://ilint.illinois.edu/

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. You may see some very
Westernized young Thai couples holding hands, but that is the extent of the displaying of
affection in this polite society.
Thais have a deserved reputation for being cautious and careful, and administrators tend to be
more people-oriented than program-oriented.

Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to a Thai's house:
o Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours before entering the house.
o Ask another guest to confirm the dress code.
o Step over the threshold rather than on it. This is an old custom that may be dying out with
younger Thais, but erring on the side of conservatism is always a good idea.
A fork and spoon are the usual eating utensils. However, noodles are often eaten with chopsticks.
The spoon is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. The fork is used to guide food on to
the spoon.
Sticky rice, a northern Thai delicacy, is often eaten with the fingers of the right hand.
Most meals are served as buffets or with serving platters in the centre of the table family- style.
You may begin eating as soon as you are served.
Leave a little food on your plate after you have eaten to show that you are full. Finishing
everything indicates that you are still hungry.
Drink tea or beer with your meal. Do not drink water unless you have seen it being poured from a
bottle.
Never take the last bite from the serving bowl.
Wait to be asked before taking a second helping.
Do not lick your fingers.
The words for food and rice are the same. Rice has an almost mystical significance in addition to
its humdrum 'daily bread' function.
Dont mix different kinds of food on your plate.
Use the side of your spoon to cut your food.
Dress Etiquette
Business attire is conservative.
Men should wear dark colored conservative business suits.
Women should wear conservative business suits or dresses. Women need not wear hosiery.
Since Thai's judge you on your clothing and accessories, ensure that your shoes are always highly
polished.
Dress respectfully when entering a temple or religious shrine. Shorts, bikinis, tops that show bare
arms, skirts that show your legs, open-toed sandals and generally dirty or unkempt attire is
considered inappropriate. Do not wear shoes inside a temple or inside a private home.
General Dos and Donts

Buddha images are sacred, whatever the size or condition. Never climb on a Buddha image or
take photos. If you cannot cross your legs, never sit on the floor in front of a Buddha image in
doing so you will point your feet at the Buddha which is considered an act of Sacrilege.
Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a woman or accept anything a woman
might offer. Monks will also not shake a mans hand as that type of contact is forbidden. When
travelling on public transport, Monks require the same respect as if they were in a temple. Do not

Updated 1/2013

http://ilint.illinois.edu/

hesitate to give a monk your seat on a crowded bus. Do not sit in any special seats that are
allocated for monks only.
Shouting and shows of annoyance are highly frowned upon by the Thais. Doing these shows lack
of discipline
Smoking in the street is illegal, as is dropping litter in the street.Thais take unlawful drug use very
seriously. Clubs and places of entertainment are sometimes raided and if you test positive
penalties are harsh. Trading in drugs will lead to the death penalty or decades in prison.

NOTE: Tips are based on cultural norms. When visiting a foreign country the most important thing to
remember is to remain mindful that you are a guest, and to take social cues from your surroundings.
For more in-depth information about visiting Thailand:
Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
http://www.csames.illinois.edu/
Asian American Cultural Center
http://studentaffairs.illinois.edu/diversity/aacc/index.html
Internet resources:
Doing Business in Thailand:
http://www.communicaid.com/access/pdf/library/culture/doing-businessin/Doing%20Business%20in%20Thailand.pdf
Overview of Thai culture with useful tips on business etiquette:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html
http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Thailand
WikiTravel:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Thailand
Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce (Thailand):
http://www.dbd.go.th/mainsite/index.php?id=1&L=1
The Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C.:
http://oca.thaiembdc.org/
Directory of Thai Governmental Ministries:
http://www.thaichicago.net/directory/govdirect/

For health and safety tips, visit:

McKinley Immunization and Travel Clinic
http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/clinics/itc/itc.htm
Travel Regulations (OBFS)
http://www.cam.illinois.edu/ix/ix-a/ix-a-26.htm

Updated 1/2013

http://ilint.illinois.edu/