Doing Business in Thailand

Do Thai value friendship with foreigners?

Generally they do but while Thais can seem very friendly at first understand that it is only an appearance. Friendly attitude is as much a part of ‘Thainess’ as the respect for authority.

Real friendship demands more than just a smile. You must be careful that things are not always what they seem.

For instance if you encounter a Thai person you barely know who is eating they will usually offer to share their food.

If it is a person, you know well this person may mean it. But most of the time especially if it is a stranger the correct answer is to refuse politely pretending that you have already eaten.

The invitation was not real; it was a way for this person to be polite to you.

Are Thai Honests?

Thais are generally honest people .

I once went to have soup in a small shop where I left my expensive sun glasses (7,000 THB worth). A few days after I rode my bike pass the shop and the owner followed me with his bike to give them back to me.

This is only one of the few examples when a Thai person has given me back something i lost (including money). Where in the world may you let your helmet on your bike and expect to find it still on your bike when you come back a few hours after.

Are Thai people curious?

Yes, Thais people are very curious or can seem to be.

How can you differentiate when they are really curious or just being polite?

When a person you already met asks you “where’re you going?” this person does’nt really wants to know the answer it is really another form of politeness; a way to show that they care about you. It is like saying “see you later” when parting with someone. A simple answer like “I have some business to do” is more than sufficient, not need to give them your life story.

Should I be careful not to tell too much?

Now when the questions really gets personal then you can be sure that they are interested and want answers (Thais love gossip).

We’ve all seen movies with two cops playing the good and bad cop to get the suspect to talk. A Thai that is curious will excel in the good cop role and sometimes you will tell him/her more than you originally intended to. You will tell them things that you never told anyone else.

Are Thai People Judgmental?

Whilst Thais give the impression that they don’t care, they will be judging you and once they get a bad opinion of you there is nearly no way back.

In general, you will have one chance to develop a strong relationship with a determined Thai person. Friendship with a Thai is alike an expensive Ming vase that is broken you may repair it with superglue but it will never have the same value anymore.

Once you have passed the first test don’t believe you are there, they will continue to judge you over and over.To summarize, you will be able in the end to develop friendships with Thai people, but as with everything in life, you need to be patient.

Never confuse apparent friendliness with friendship.

Finally don’t be surprised one day to discover that this person who has always been so friendly with you cannot stand you.

The ability that Thai people have to hide their emotion of feeling is another by-product of Thainess.

I mean looking to Thai persons talking together while knowing that they cannot absolutely not stand each others is quite a nice spectacle.

Note: This post is an excerpt of Rene Philippe Dubout next book: “How to Invest Safely Into Thailand” to be published in January 2010

About the Author:

The author Rene-Philippe DUBOUT is a lawyer since 1990 when he was admitted to Geneva bar (Switzerland). He practiced as a litigator there for 10 years until he moved to Thailand in 1999. In 2002 he founded with a group of Thai lawyers Rene Philippe & Partners Ltd a local law firm that specialized in Cross Borders Investments and Real Estate. He has been lecturing in several Thai Universities and a speaker to numerous conferences and seminars. He is the author of a must read book:”How to Purchase Real Estate Offshore Safely: The Case of Thailand”.

http//:www.renephilippe.com

© Copyrights 2009 – Rene Philippe Dubout – This article may be reprinted if information about the author, the websites, and the URLs remain intact

Originally posted 2009-08-12 13:17:13.

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