🇹🇠Thailand Meeting Culture
Thai business meetings are respectful, non-confrontational, and relationship-oriented, deeply influenced by Buddhist values and social harmony.
- Schedule meetings in advance; avoid the Songkran festival period (mid-April).
- Learn about Thai customs; the King and royal family are highly respected and should never be criticized.
- Arrive on time; punctuality shows respect though Thais may be more flexible.
- Greet with the "wai" gesture (palms together, bow); the higher the hands and deeper the bow, the more respect shown.
- Business cards are exchanged respectfully with both hands.
- Begin with pleasant small talk; Thais value building personal rapport.
- Avoid raising your voice, showing anger, or causing anyone to lose face.
- The head is considered sacred and the feet are the lowest part of the body; never point feet at others or touch someone's head.
- Thais may smile to mask discomfort; "yes" may mean acknowledgment rather than agreement.
- Decisions are made slowly and require consensus; patience is essential.
- Seniority and age are highly respected; defer to senior members in discussions.
- Follow up with a polite email; maintain a warm, friendly tone.
- Nurture the relationship over time; rushing Thais may damage trust.