Bangkok Business Travel Guide

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It is easy to assume, amongst the sparkling glass and skyscrapers of Bangkok's business districts, that all Thai business people have a European mindset. Certainly the majority of young Thais working in the fast-growing economy of Bangkok may appear that way, but appearances can be deceptive. As one British businessman based in Thailand says, "Thai people live in the 21st century, have Victorian social values and medieval business practices." [more]

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Central to doing business in Thailand is an appreciation of the role of social and business etiquette.

Bangkok Office and Government times

Offices are generally open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to noon on Saturdays. You may also find that the hard-working Thai thinks nothing of extending these hours or working over the weekends, although offices do observe national holidays. As Thailand and China move closer together in their economic ties, the Chinese New Year is widely celebrated, and can bring most of Bangkok business to a halt during January or February.

Government offices in Bangkok are open from 8.30am to noon, and then from 1pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and are closed on national holidays. (Shops and businesses do not always close on national holidays.)

Thai and Bangkok Business Etiquette

Social etiquette is vital in Thai society, and you should be familiar with this before you even attempt to do business in Thailand. Thai people are highly respectful of rank and status, and hence on meeting, any Thai will immediately judge the status of the person and give a greeting, or wai, that is appropriate. The wai is a prayer-like hand gesture that is used instead of a handshake, and you should adopt the 'stranger's wai', a version where your hands are held close to your chest and the fingertips placed just below your chin. Unless you have met before, wait for the Thai person to initiate the wai, so as not to cause offense.

Never touch a Thai person's head, or point your feet at a person, or any revered object such as a Buddha statue. If invited into a Thai house, it is usual to remove your shoes, and again take care where you point your toes! Displays of affection between a man and a woman in public are frowned upon, but paradoxically, it is perfectly acceptable for same sex friends to touch and hold hands. So, you might find your new Thai colleague will give you a hug or hold your hand, so long as you are of the same sex. This is sheer politeness, not a come-on!

Thais always address each other by their first name, prefixed by the title Khun, equivalent to Mr or Mrs. Therefore, you will be address as "Khan John", "Mr John", rather than "Khan Smith".

In addition to the social etiquette, business etiquette has its own protocol. Always make an appointment, preferably a month in advance, and set an agenda for your meeting. Thais will appreciate a list of who is attending the meeting from your team, which must include their title and status, and any background materials should also be sent in advance.

Thais do dress formally for business, as showing much bare flesh is frowned upon generally. Since most office buildings are air-conditioned, a lightweight European style business outfit will be appropriate - just make sure you take air-conditioned transport to your meeting to avoid arriving overheated! Dark colours are preferred over light colours, and make sure all accessories are well presented too; Thais will notice if your shoes are not polished, for example.

As in social situations, Thais are polite, respectful, and will by nature defer to the eldest person on your team in any meeting as the most important. If this is not the case, make sure you inform your Thai hosts first, to avoid embarrassment. Unless you have been informed otherwise, always hand out your business card to the most senior Thai team member first, and have a Thai translated version on he reverse. Always hand your business card using your right hand, and make sure you read any card given in return for a few moments.

Thai businesses will always want to meet as many of your team as possible to build a proper relationship with you, and almost inevitably will call a few meetings before signing the deal. Therefore make sure you allow time for this in your schedule when doing business in Bangkok.

Direct questions are frowned upon in Thai business meetings, and you should enquire almost obliquely for opinions or viewpoints. Since Thais do not like to directly say no, always bear in mind that the ever-present Thai smile can hide a range of emotions, from mild discomfort to deep offense, so don't assume a smile is a sign of encouragement. Also take care with your body language, as your Thai hosts will be watching for this, and tend to credit body language over words.

Thai society holds three concepts dear, which impact on business decisions;

• jai yen is the idea of keeping your cool whatever happens. Thais avoid confrontation, so always suppress any impatience or irritation during meetings.
• mai pen rai is a verbal shrug, used to express that a problem or dfficulty is either no problem, or cannot be helped.
• sanuk is the notion that everything should have an element of fun, even business, so be prepared for unexpected moments of humour too.

Finally, all Thais are deeply respectful of the Thai royal family. Even if monarchy is not your political ideal, keep your views to yourself, and always stand if the Thailand national anthem is played. Also, be respectful at Buddhist shrines and of any Buddhist imagery; do not pose for photographs in front of Buddha statues, for example.