Culture/ Customs:
Do's
The wai is the proper/common way of greeting. The wai is done by raising both hands palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards and it touches the body somewhere between the chest and forehead. The person who is of lower status when it comes to age and authority is the first one to greet. If there is a huge gap of status between two people a wai will not be returned.
· Buddhism is something that is very big in Thailand. They don’t believe in birth or death but rather that people have several lives bases upon the lessons of life. Practiced by over 90 percent of the population
· Thais will try to place you under the hierarchy so they know how you should be treated. Status can be determined by clothing, general appearance, age, social connections
· Wait for your host to introduce you to the other guests, allows people to know your status and this will determine the how low the wai will be bowed.
· If invited to a Thais home a gift is unexpected but appreciated. Appropriate gifts are flowers chocolates. Avoid marigolds and carnations because they are associated with funerals. Gold and yellow good colors when comes to gift wrapping. If you happen to have dinner at one of the heads of the meetings. Make sure to ask others what the dress code is. Check if host is wearing shoes or not. Don’t step on the threshold, step over it.
· When seated for diner there are utensils the spoon in the right hand and the fork in the left. Use fork to guide food onto spoon. Sticky rice is something very important to the thai and is eaten with fingers of the right hand. Never leave any rice on the plate because it is considered a waste. Don’t take the last bite from the serving bowl. Don’t take seconds, wait to be asked. Lastly don’t lick your fingers.(lunch/social gatherings)
· Preferably there should be more than one meeting. Rank is always respected. Use facial expressions these are more noticed than your words.
· For a business meeting make sure you show up on time. (thais punctual on time) Always send an agenda in prior of advance of the meeting. Allow sufficient time for material to sink in to their heads. Be waited for you to be seated. Be patient. Material should be in English and Thai.
· For clothes should wear dark conservative business suits. Make sure your shoes are very polished little things matter to the Thais.
Don'ts:
· Don't point your feet: Pointing your feet at someone, raising your feet higher then someone's head or simply putting your feet onto a desk or chair is considered extremely rude in Thailand.
· Don't touch someone's head: While the feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest parts of the body, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Never touch someone's head or hair; avoid stepping over people who are sitting or sleeping on the ground also.
· Don't point: Pointing at someone is considered rude in many cultures, but mainly in Thailand. If you point at someone it is very rude to them, instead of pointing lift your chin in their direction. When motioning for someone to come over, you can wave your hand with fingers straight and palm down.
· Don't lose your cool: Shouting, Screaming, or showing strong emotions is frowned upon in Thailand, where the rules of saving face applies very strongly. Keep your cool at all times because it is very disrespectful if you lose your temper quick.
· Remove your shoes: As in many Asian cultures, removing your shoes before you enter a temple or someone's home is essential. Some businesses, restaurants, and shops also ask that you remove your shoes. If unsure, just look to see if there is a pile of shoes at the entrance, or check to see if the staff are wearing shoes and that is how you will know.
· Use your right hand: The left hand is considered dirty, as it is used for toilet functions. Always use your right hand to pass objects and when paying. Touch your left hand to your right forearm if you wish to show extra respect.
