When travelling abroad on a business trip, it’s important to understand the etiquette of the host country. It is estimated that people form an impression of someone during the first five minutes of meeting them. This leaves little margin for error and when it comes to business can make or break a deal. Consequently, if you are new to doing business in Bangkok it is vital that you understand the local culture. This guide to business etiquette in Thailand will help ensure that your business meetings are successful.
Greetings
Traditional Thai greetings often involve a wai. This requires raising the hands as if praying and slowly bowing the head. This respectful Thai greeting will let your business companion know that you understand and respect their culture. Normally, the younger person is expected to be the first person to initiate the wai, with the depth of the bow corresponding with the level of respect afforded to the individual. Thai businessmen and women respect foreigners attempting to wai, and mistakes will be excused. When greeting, a business card should be presented with your right hand. Upon receiving a business card in Thailand, it is respectful to acknowledge and read it, whilst expressing a polite comment.
Dress Code
When conducting business in Bangkok, it is important to dress conservatively. Appearance is very important to Thai people, with men expected to wear dark suits, white shirts and a tie. Women are required to wear plain dresses or suits, with skirts (if worn) being kept to knee length, or preferably longer. Shoulders should always be covered. An important consideration when conducting business in Thailand is not to wear black. Thai people only wear black to funerals, so black attire might come across as morbid.
Body Language
The body language of an individual has great importance in Thai communication. It is paramount to show politeness and respect at all times and being receptive to body language helps to avoid misunderstandings. Ultimately, the first thing a person notices about an individual is their body language. It is critical to look engaged by standing straight and tall to indicate interest and enthusiasm. By contrast, a slouched stance may convey a lack of interest, which is likely to affect any business deal.
Communication
In business meetings in Bangkok, it is crucial to be polite and respectful when conducing a speech or presentation. Thai people value courtesy very highly, so it is crucial to speak clearly in a professional tone, whilst smiling warmly when addressing an audience. This will help to ensure that you establish a positive reputation with your business companions and ultimately that you communicate effectively. When listening, it is best not to interrupt a speaker to ask questions, as this could be seen as insulting. Acting in a respectable, calm and patient fashion will impact well upon how you are perceived. Finally, sensitive or difficult conversations are normally initiative by employees with a higher authority.
Business Meetings
It is fundamental to note that when doing business in Bangkok, initial meetings are often aimed at establishing a rapport. Ultimately, Thai people prefer to build relationships prior to engaging in business matters. Choosing a suitable meeting location is a vital aspect of making a good first impression. Initial meetings should take place over lunch or dinner, with entertaining your guests part of developing the business relationship. A professional and comfortable establishment will be more than suitable. When scheduling an appointment, it is best to give plenty of notice and re-confirm the day before the meeting. Both parties arriving on time is crucial to ensure that a mutual respect is shown.
Having staged the initial meeting, it is likely to be in forthcoming meetings that important decisions are made. In Thailand, it is commonplace for topics to be repeatedly discussed within the hierarchy before decisions are finalised. Subsequently, it may take several meetings to get a business deal completed. Maintaining dignity and never showing signs of aggression is important when conducting business in Thailand. It is considered inappropriate to display anger and could result in the loss of a deal.
General Etiquette
When on business travel in Bangkok, it is worthwhile to take note of general etiquette in Thailand. In Thai society, it is critical to always show respect to the King, country and Buddha. Any image of a Buddha should always be treated with utmost respect. When visiting temples or the home of an individual, it is customary to remove ones shoes. This should be strictly adhered to, otherwise could cause offence. In Thailand, there is a solid hierarchy which is represented at many levels throughout society. Upon meeting a fellow businessman for the first time, it is normal for Thai people to ask multiple questions. This may seem personal to a Westerner, but in Bangkok is important to establish where one fits within a hierarchy. It is sound advice to accept such questions with good grace and not to take insult.
Taking note of this advice and being respectful towards Thai culture is bound to put you in good stead for a successful business trip to Bangkok. For the very best accommodation in the Thai capital, check out our range of serviced apartments in Bangkok.
