When falang meets frog

Dream beaches, mountains, grand temples – the Kingdom of Thailand attracts tourists from all over the world. And industry is making considerable progress as well. The country’s expertise in exporting pineapples, palm oil, prawns and electronic goods is drawing in business travelers. It’s a good thing when these know how to behave correctly.

Hello
Thailanders don’t greet each other with a handshake, but with "wai": in a graceful gesture, folded hands are placed in front of the lower half of the face. Younger and lower-ranking people offer "wai" first. This is also used to thank someone, to apologize and to say good-bye. Among people of the same age or position, the man bows his head, the fingers touch the nose. The woman curtseys. Before you do yourself an injury, it is sufficient if you return the greeting with a smile, bow or nod.

CHOOSING A NAME
Be it the postman or prime minister: Thais address each other by first name, in front of which they place "Khun" – Mrs/Miss or Mr. Most people also have a nickname, which mothers give to them as babies. Some particularly popular nicknames are – don’t be shocked – mu (pig), kob (frog), gung (crab) or gai (chicken).

DON`T WORRY
People call foreigners with white skin "falang". This isn’t derogatory, but means "white stranger".

HOLD YOUR TONGUE
Thais are considered very tolerant. People do not get involved in other people’s business. But their patience is quickly gone if you make insulting comments about the royal family. As King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s face is stamped on Thai money, do not put your foot on a dropped coin.

CARD GAME
The eager handing over of business cards is an integral part of the greeting ritual. The "Namecard" is presented with the right hand.

WARMING-UP
Indulge in small talk. If you come straight to the point with a Thai, they will no longer want to communicate with you. Make sure that you keep the mood light at all times. Keep referring to the beauty of the nature and people, the quality and variety of the
food and the impressive culture of the country. Poverty, corruption and human and drug trafficking are taboo topics. There is a strong need to maintain harmony.
People do anything to avoid confrontation. Direct contradiction or criticism go completely against the Thai mentality. Venting one’s anger out loud is treated with contempt.

PERFECT WARDROBE
Compared to other nationalities, Thais tend to overdress. People like to brighten up dark outfits or suits with colorful blouses, shirts or ties. Never wear all black or white – these are only worn in times of bereavement.

PURITY REQUIREMENT
People take off their shoes in temples and private houses. Make sure that your socks are clean and in good condition. Those who neglect their appearance, lose face. Good clothing is especially important when dealing with authorities. Otherwise, you will only be served slowly, or not at all.

ATTITUDE TO TIME
Thais have their own attitude to time. When it comes to private engagements, punctuality is irrelevant. Therefore, "farang time" has been introduced for business.
For important appointments, for instance if you have to make your flight, refer politely to this.

HOW ARE YOU DOING?
The language for negotiations and contracts is English. The Thai language often
allows too much scope for interpretation.

PAT, PAT
For Thais, the head is
the highest part of the body in
the figurative sense as well.
As a stranger, you should
never touch the head of a Thai
person. Not even heads of the
(admittedly) extremely cute
children. The foot as the
lowest part of the body must
not be pointed in another
person’s direction. Touching
should essentially
be avoided.

BETTER NOT
You feel compassion for begging children and so you buy their flowers, chewing gum, cigarettes. The child protection organization Childwatch Phuket requests: don’t do it. The children who work in the bar districts at night are forced to do so. The more they sell, the more they will have to work.

GOOD COMPANY
Politeness is everything. Even if it doesn’t always represent your true feelings. Those who display respectful behavior and continue to do so, even in critical
situations, will prove their superiority in the eye of a Thai and will thus earn respect.