Doing Business In Thailand
From a Thai’s perspective, a first meeting with new business partners has one main goal: to be able to classify each other. Business people in Thailand are used to a very strong hierarchical differentiation!
If Thai meet a stranger, they first try to identify the hierarchical levels as precisely as possible, because only if the social position of the new contact is clear, they can treat their counterpart correctly. The status of a person can become visible, for example, due to the outer appearance, the age, the family name, the social connections, certain status symbols or the position in a company and income.
Business cards help as well to classify the social status of a new business partner more precisely. Ideally, your name and position in the company are written in Thai on the back of the card. If two larger groups or delegations meet, you should send a list of participants with names and positions in the company in advance.
Greeting Along Thai Hierarchies
When greeting each other, it is already important to consider hierarchical distinctions. The younger person greets the older person or the hierarchically lower-level person greets the higher-level person first.
For the traditional wai, the hands are folded in front of the body and one bends forward. The higher the person opposite is in the hierarchy, the higher your fingertips should point and the deeper you should bow.
In some cases of clear rank-differences, the higher-level person doesn’t return the wai. Service staff, for example, are not greeted back. Since this hierarchical thinking is firmly anchored in Thai society, one would rather embarrass subordinates with greeting them back.
Ignorance – Lack Of Classification
Thai people, who are not used to contact with foreigners, may have difficulties to classify you correctly in the social hierarchy. In order to avoid mistakes and to lose face, they may simply ignore you. This unpleasant situation can be avoided by asking your direct contact to introduce you.
Thailand Is Not Easy
Thailand is not an easy destination for business. So learn more about the Thai way of thinking to bridge any cultural gaps on the way to success!
Videos Business Culture Thailand
Our intercultural business videos focus on what really matters when doing business in Thailand. Prepare for diverse international business situations within minutes.
First Business Meeting In Thailand
Get some top tips on how to initiate business successfully
Communication In Thailand
In Thai business life, you must read between the lines and choose your words carefully
Body Language In Thailand
To avoid misunderstandings in business, pay attention to facial expressions and gestures
Meetings And Presentations In Thailand
Learn about sophisticated seating arrangements, indirect communication and preferred presentation style
Negotiations In Thailand
Learn about the importance of hierarchies, relationships, and decision-making powers to reach your targets
Business Meals And After Work In Thailand
Dos and don’ts in Thai restaurants, bars and private homes
Visitors From Thailand
What to offer your guests to pave the way for successful business
Online Coaching Thailand
Do you have a specific question in mind? Are you going to work and live in Thailand? Our business coaches are highly qualified experts in their field with many years of work experience in Thailand.
From managing international teams to sealing a deal with Thai business partners to going abroad as an expatriate – whatever situation you need to deal with, your personal coach will be there to guide you through it!
Are You And Your New Country A Match?
Living abroad but not yet fitting in? Moving country soon? Take the Global DISC Assessment and deep dive into your personality traits and cultural orientation.
- Stop leaving things to chance and find your feet in a different country.
- Eliminate the exhaustion of living and working abroad.
- Succeed anywhere in the world.
- Feel empowered and confident.
