Business & Commerce

Thai Business Etiquette

Hierarchy Matters

Thai business culture is highly hierarchical. Age, position, and social status determine interaction patterns.

• Address people by Khun (คุณ) + first name (not surname)
• The most senior person enters and sits first
• Decisions flow top-down

Business Cards

• Present and receive with both hands
• Study the card briefly before putting it down
• Never write on someone's business card

Meetings

• Punctuality is expected from foreigners
• Small talk comes first — rushing to business is rude
• "Yes" doesn't always mean agreement — it may mean "I hear you"
• Avoid confrontation or saying "no" directly

Saving Face

Face (หน้า, nâa) is crucial in Thai culture:

• Never embarrass someone publicly
• Criticize privately and gently
• Anger or raised voices cause loss of face for everyone

Key Vocabulary

• ธุรกิจ (tú-rá-gìt) — business
• ประชุม (bprà-chum) — meeting
• นามบัตร (naam-bàt) — business card
• คุณ (kun) — you / Mr./Ms.