By: Jasmine Edmonds

About Thailand  Located in Southwestern Asia  Capital: Bangkok  Population: 64,865,523  Government: Monarchy  Religion: Mostly Buddhist  Known as “land of smiles”

Greeting & Cards  Wai is a common form of greeting  Younger person in status is foes Wai first  If there is a great social distance: Wai won’t be returned.  Cards are given after the initial handshake.  Use right hand to deliver card  Make polite comment about the card

Dress  Keep attire neat & clean  For Business: wear nice pants & shirts (men wear ties)  Don’t wear shoes inside  Don’t wear shorts, skirts, or tank-tops

Introductions  Common only in a formal situation  Lower-status person is always addressed first  When introducing a business partner, mention their first name

Table Manners  Thai food is eaten with a fork and a tablespoon  Spoon is held in the right hand and the bottom of the fork pushes the food into the spoon  Never drink tap water unless it is boiled.  Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating, to show you are full  The host pays the bill. Never offer to split

Gift Giving  In business, give Brandy, liquors, American crafts, etc  Bring a small gift for anyone who works for you regularly  Give & receive a gift with your right hand  Do not open a gift you've been given unless invited to do so

Summary  Thais are tolerant of individualism, but find comfort and security in being part of a group  They’re also productive and hard working  Very proud of their cultural heritage and enjoy talking about it with visitors  Thais are proud that they have never been ruled by a Western power

Sources  s/global-etiquette/thailand-country- profile.html s/global-etiquette/thailand-country- profile.html  etiquette/ etiquette/  quette/ce_th.htm quette/ce_th.htm  guide/thailand/culture-of-thailand/thai- etiquette.html