THAILAND

LANGUAGE

* In business circles some Thais will have a reasonable command of English, however most people do not feel comfortable speaking English.

BUSINESS ATTIRE

* Thailand is a very hot, tropical country, so allowances are made in terms of clothing. However, as in most Asian countries, a person is often judged on their appearance and it always pays to dress well. A suit is preferred for formal meetings but a business shirt and tie for men, or dress or skirt and blouse for women, is appropriate for less formal situations.

INTRODUCTIONS

* Address a Thai man or woman by their first name, not their surname, using the prefix "Khun" instead of Mr or Mrs. For example, former Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai should be referred to as Khun Chuan. It is not considered informal or familiar to call Thais by their first name.

* Thais normally greet Westerners with a handshake in business situations, however the traditional Thai greeting is a wai - a gesture where the hands are placed together at chest height and the head is bowed slightly.

* As in all Asian countries, business cards are useful when introducing yourself for the first time.

BUSINESS HOURS

* Most government offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

* Banks are open seven days a week from 8.30am until 3.30pm.

* Thai post offices are open from 8.30am until 4.30pm between Monday and Friday and open for two hours between 10am and 12pm on Saturdays.

* Department stores are usually closed on Sundays but open for the rest of the week between 10am and 7pm. Smaller shops usually keep longer hours and are often open seven days a week.

MONEY

* The official unit of currency in Thailand is the baht.

* Thailand has a modern, efficient banking system and most foreign currencies and travellers' cheques are easily exchanged at banks around the country.

* Credit cards can be used to obtain cash advances at banks and automatic teller machines and are widely accepted in large shops, restaurants and hotels.

POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

* Thailand has an efficient postal service and a modern telephone system. International calls can be made direct from IDD phones in most large cities and towns.

* In most cases, the central post office will be situated immediately adjacent to an IDD telephone facility. Most large hotels in Bangkok provide efficient business telecommunications services for guests and paying members of the public.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

* Bangkok*s international airport is located 25 kilometres from the city centre. Traffic along this route can be a nightmare during peak hours and it is advisable to allow at least one hour for the journey.

* Trains running directly to Hualomphong station can be caught from a station directly opposite the airport, however the most efficient way to travel into the city is by taxi.

* Be careful to avoid "limousine taxi" touts who congregate inside the airport's arrival hall, as these people usually offer the same service as an ordinary Bangkok taxi at an inflated price.

* On the inside of the terminal near the doorway is the city taxi counter. This useful service dispenses with the need to pay drivers directly and ensures that drivers take the most direct route to your chosen destination. Simply tell the desk staff where you want to go, pay them and they will issue you with a voucher and allocate a driver. The driver collects the voucher and no more money need change hands.

* The trip between the airport and the downtown area should cost about $US10.

* A car and driver can be arranged in advance through a hotel. Direct negotiation with limousine services can cut the hotel rate least half, if you pay by cash.

TRAFFIC

* Bangkok's traffic is regarded as the worst in Asia and it can often take hours to get from one side of the city to the other. Space your appointments to allow for delays.

* If relying on taxis, always have your destination written in Thai, as most taxi drivers cannot speak English. In Bangkok, staff at hotel concierge desks are accustomed to providing this service.

* The best times for appointments are at mid-morning and early afternoon, when fewer people are on the roads.

GIFTS

* Try not to buy gifts which come in a set of six, as this number is considered inauspicious in Thailand.

* Red is the best colour for wrapping paper in Thailand, as it is associated with wealth and prosperity.

* Gifts of footwear may be considered inappropriate in Thailand, because the foot is considered the least sacred part of the human body.

GENERAL

* Although Thai people appreciate punctuality when conducting business, deadlines are often overlooked and it is necessary to allow for this when scheduling meetings etc.

* Never contradict or criticise anybody in public. Thais, like Chinese people, have a refined sense of public image and it is easy to cause someone to "lose face." To complain that a Thai is late for an appointment may cause them to lose face and thereby disrupt the course of business.

* Never joke about the monarchy. Thai people treat their monarchy with great reverence and the Royal family should never be insulted or criticised.

* Buddhism is Thailand's national religion and priests must always receive a high level of respect. Women should never touch a monk or his robe. When handing an object to a monk, a woman should use an intermediary or place the object in a position where it can be retrieved by the monk.

* Thai people regard the head as the most precious part of the body. Never touch a person (including children) on the head, or anywhere above the shoulders. In the same way, Thais regard the feet as the least sacred part of the body and it is considered offensive to point with the feet or even show the sole of the shoe or foot to another person. It is therefore necessary to take care when crossing your legs.

* Never accept objects presented to you with your left hand as this is considered disrespectful.

Return to Asia Pulse's Guide to Business Etiquette in Asia

Return to our Page Added July 8, 1998