THAILAND

Prepared by: Anshu Aggarwal(19/) Aparna Khanna(1) Harshita Singh(19/) Naina Sehgal(19/)

FACTS AND STATISTICS

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma Capital: Bangkok Ethnic Make-up: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11% Religions: Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other 0.6% (1991)

LANGUAGE

Main language is THAI. Other languages spoken in Thailand are Chinese, Lao, Malay and MonKhmer. English use is becoming more prevalent in government and commerce. English is also being taught as a second language in secondary school and universities.

ETIQUETTE & CUSTOMS

Meeting Etiquette The wai is the traditional form of greeting, given by the person of lower status to the person of higher status. Thais generally use first name rather than surnames, with the honorific title Khun before the name. In Thai culture, generally you should wait for your host and hostess to introduce you to the other guests. Gifting 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. Appropriate gifts are flowers, good quality chocolates or fruit.

Do not give marigolds or carnations, as they are associated with funerals. 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 colours, so they make good wrapping paper. Gifts are not opened when received. Money is the usual gift for weddings and ordination parties.

DINING ETIQUETTE
If you are invited to a Thai's house: Arrive close to the appointed time, although being a few minutes late will not cause offence. Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours before entering the house. Ask another guest to confirm the dress code. A fork and spoon are the usual eating utensils. However, noodles are often eaten with chopsticks.

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.

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

THE WAI Raising both hands, palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer, lightly touching the body somewhere between the chest and the forehead, is the standard form. Thais respect hierarchical relationships. When Thais meet a stranger, they will immediately try to place you within a hierarchy so they know how you should be treated

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
Relationships & Communication Thais prefer doing business with people they respect. Relationships develop slowly and do not flourish after one meeting; it may take several meetings. Always be respectful and courteous when dealing with others as this leads to the harmonious relationships necessary within business. Thai communication is formal and non-verbal communication is often more important than verbal communication.

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, AS PUNCTUALITY IS A PERSONAL TRAIT. Always send an agenda and material about your company as well as data to substantiate your position prior to the meeting.. Remain standing until told where to sit. The hierarchical culture has strict rules about rank and position in the group. Written material should be available in both English and Thai. You must be patient.

THAI CONDUCT
Thais place great emphasis and value on outward forms of courtesy such as politeness, respect, genial demeanour and self-control . It is a non-confrontational society, in which public dispute or criticism is to be avoided at all costs. Openly criticizing a person is a form of violence as it hurts the person and is viewed as a conscious attempt to offend the person being rebuked. Loss of face is a disgrace to a Thai so they try to avoid confrontations.

DRESS ETIQUETTE
Business

attire is conservative. Men should wear dark coloured 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.

DRESSING LOOKS LIKE:

Traditional dressing

Business dressing

BUSINESS CARDS
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.

BUSINESS CARDS SAMPLE:

KOB KUN MAK

(THANK YOU VERY MUCH)