Corporate Culture in Thailand
- Thailand has a pro-business attitude.
- Business decisions are slow. Decisions pass through many levels before being decided upon. Planning is short-term.
- Top management is often family. Who you know is important. Powerful connections are respected.
- First meetings generally produce good humor, many smiles, polite conversation and few results. The second meeting should include a meal invitation.
- Meetings begin with small talk. Discussing business before becoming acquainted is impolite.
- Degrees, especially from prestigious universities, bring status. Thais may list these on their Business Card.
- Thais respect foreigners with powerful connections.
- Negotiations may be lengthy. Process takes precedence over content. Slow information flow may delay discussions and decisions.
- Thais prefer to work later in the evening rather than early in the morning.
- Business is kept separate from family. Family comes first before business.
- Frankness is not appreciated. Be subtle in responding with a negative reply.