Greeting

When meeting representatives of foreign companies and organizations, Thai businessmen and officials usually shake hands during greetings, but this is not the traditional greeting ritual in Thailand.

The traditional Thai greeting is wai. When two people of the same social status or official position meet, they greet each other by folding their hands at chest level, palm to palm. The fingers are directed upwards parallel to the body, with the thumbs touching the chest. This gesture is accompanied by a slight bow.

If people have different status, the wai salutation is slightly different: the one whose status is lower raises his palms pressed together higher so that the fingertips touch the lips. An even higher wai should be greeted by a highly respected, honored and elderly person. In this case, the thumbs are pressed to the tip of the nose. In all variations of the wai greeting, the elbows should be pressed against the body.

Whatever the greeting ritual, it is always accompanied by the verbal expression Savadi! (Hello! Hello!). In formal conversation situations, the particle ka or krap is often used in conversation. If a woman is addressed, she adds the particle ka, and then the greeting sounds like Savadi' ka. The male particle is krap, and the greeting is accordingly Savadi' krap. This is also the word Thais use when saying goodbye.

If there is a woman in the meeting, the man should wait for her to take the initiative and extend her hand for a handshake.

If the event involves people of different gender and age, and social status or position in the company, it is customary for the man to introduce the woman and the younger person to the older person.

Introduction

Families have not always existed in Thailand; they were introduced only in the 1920s. This was enshrined in the relevant legislative act, under which the King "gifted" surnames to the most influential Thai families. According to the law, everyone in Thailand must have a first and last name (without middle names, patronymics or any other additional particles).

Thai surnames are long and rather difficult to pronounce, even for Thais. Therefore, they tend to give their first name during introductions, reserving the last name for formal or formal situations and written correspondence.

Hierarchical relationships and social status are very important categories in Thai society. This is primarily manifested in the forms in which people address each other. These include the various regalia one possesses, namely academic degrees, professional qualifications or positions, as well as the polite form Khun, which is not available depending on gender. For example, a man named Kittichat Wattapongsiri, should be addressed Khun Kittichat and his sister named Mekhala Khun Mekhala.

In English, Khun corresponds to the polite forms Mr, Mrs, Ms, Miss.

In terms of communication, it is possible for your Thai colleague to address you by your name with the polite form Khun, such as Khun Andrey. The same is also possible in English, for example,Mr Andrey. Don't think of it as familiarity, Thais unintentionally transfer the traditions of their society to situations with foreign partners.

In addition to names, Thais have nicknames that are given to children at an early age. Even if you know your partner's nickname, don't address them using a nickname. Wait for your partner to take the appropriate initiative.

After marriage, Thai women usually take their husband's surname. Children inherit their father's last name.

Exchange of Business Cards

In Thailand, business cards are exchanged quite often, not only during meetings and negotiations, but also during various social, economic and political events. You should always have an ample supply of business cards with you.

It is preferable that one side of the business card is written in Thai. It is best if the translation is done by a local professional.

In addition to your name and contact information, include your title, professional qualifications and/or academic degrees or titles as well as any additional competencies you have. All these positions will certainly be appreciated by your Thai colleague.

There is no special ritual for exchanging business cards in Thai business practice. However, remember that you should pass your business card with your right hand, starting with the most senior person present.

When you receive your business card, hold it in both hands for a moment, look carefully at the text, and then place it in front of you on your desk or in your business card holder (but not in your pocket or purse).

To respect the business card that you receive from your Thai counterpart. Do not write on it, write anything on it, or fold it.

Small Talk: Overview

The importance of developing and maintaining relationships in Thailand's business culture is enormous. This is especially important when dealing with foreign partners. Therefore, pay special attention to small talk with your Thai counterpart.

Try to make your conversation with your Thai partner seem calm, friendly, informal and friendly.

In small talk, topics are very general and you should maintain a neutral and polite tone with a preference for more fluid and terse language.

In Thai culture, silence is an essential part of conversation which feels like a silent pause, signifying that you are paying attention and respecting the speaker. It is as if they are thinking about what they have just heard. You should not be impatient if you think the pause is too long.

Silence during a conversation is not perceived negatively in Thailand, either in business communication or outside of it. On the contrary, a person who speaks a lot and actively may be perceived as "young and immature". It is not at all necessary to react in any way to every utterance of the interlocutor, which is quite difficult sometimes in many other cultures.

We should always remember that in such indirect communication it is customary to speak allegorically, sometimes using various figures of speech (metaphors, comparisons, epithets), especially if the situation is for one reason or another heated. In any case, it is important to be extremely tactful and attentive to your partner's words.

Preferred Topics

Classical questions about the flight, the weather at that time of year, or the hotel where you are staying can be a good conversation starter.

A good place to continue a conversation is the location of the meeting (such as your Thai colleague's office) or the items (pictures or paintings on the walls) in the room.

It would be easy for your Thai colleague to keep the conversation going by talking about work in terms of profession, what it is like in different countries in particular.

It is always appropriate to share with your colleague (positive) impressions about the country, the places you have visited in Thailand.