It is an entirely different business when you move into a new country. Particularly one where the culture and the way of life differ from your home country or where you migrated. You begin to wonder why you do not fit in and how to make the transition easier. More so, when it is Thailand, you may be confused about how these Asians seem to live a different yet happy and wholesome life, and rather than botch your chances of making friends and being lucrative at work, here is a guide to help you settle into the office and co-working spaces in Thailand communities.
Are you looking for information? It doesn’t help much when all you see wherever you look is real estate in Thailand for sale with little information on how to live in Thailand without stepping on your neighbor’s toes! If that is your story, you are welcome to this blog post.
7 Ways to Live, Work and Transition Into the Thailand Community
1. Avoid Openly Speaking ill of the King
Thai people are very protective of their rulers. Although they are quick at forgiving cultural blunders, you can end up in prison for openly denouncing the King or speaking ill of his policies. If you observe wrong leadership, best to keep it to yourself; this is monarchy rulership and not a democracy; expressing dissatisfaction will not change anything.
2. Avoid Sitting With Your Legs on the Table
It is your office space; you have done a lot for the day and may want to stretch your legs by placing them on the table. Well…. Try not to. In Thailand, the most honorary part of the body is the head, as, by extension, the lowliest part is the leg, so pointing your legs to someone or placing it on the table or in any way in a person’s direction is interpreted as rude and reprehensible behavior. So, avoid putting your legs on the table in your guest’s places or public places.
3. Take Off Your Shoes When Visiting Someone’s Home
Although some Thais do not mind you bringing shoes into their homes, MAJORITY will appreciate it if you take them off at the doorstep. This culture is common among Asians generally. When you visit your Thai friends in their homes, look out for a stack of slippers or shoes at the door post or around; if you see any, please take them off. Suppose you do not; it’s better to take them off, just in case. Please note that this does not apply to office and work settings.
If you need additional information on this topic, kindly read more on the official website Thailand-Real.Estate.
4. Handshakes Are a Thing Here Too, but a Little Bit of Genuflection Shows You Have a Thai Spirit
Handshakes at the end of and during negotiations are a universal sign of camaraderie. It is not so different in Thailand, but if you add a bit of genuflection, you will receive more warmly. You do not have to be too disturbed by this recommendation. Generally, Thais in business genuflect their heads slightly when handshaking; try to copy them in any little manner you can (that’s the hack).
5. Performing the Wai
Wai is the cultural greeting of the Thai people; it is when you place your two palms right in front of you, slightly underneath your chin, and give a slight bow. It shows respect and reverence. When a Thai person greets you with a Wai, it is considered rude not to return the greeting. Similarly, try to copy them and return their Wai, even as a colleague, a superior, or a market woman along the street.
6. You Don’t Have to Bring Gifts When Invited for Dinner
The Thais will not expect you to get anything when coming; when you do, they are unlikely to open it in your presence. It doesn’t mean they do not appreciate the gesture; it is customary not to. Also, if you must wrap a gift in this sense, do not use green, black, or blue wrapping sheets because those are mourning colors; you will end up offending your host. Also, leave some bits of food on your plate; finishing your meal means you need more, and your Thai guests will likely serve you more food, so leave something on the scale to indicate you are full and do not need an extra ration.
7. Saving Face and Using Your Good Land
Engaging in heated arguments or disagreements with Thai people is regarded as reprehensible behavior. These people are often laid back in conflict and try to communicate displeasure quietly and inoffensively, you should adopt this model when dealing with the Thai, or you will cause them to lose face, which isn’t good. You should also try and receive cards with your right hand and look at the cards before you put them away, or you will be seen as dismissive. Being left-handed is not an excuse here, so you need to give it an extra effort, okay?
Thailand is a Land of Much Sunshine, Incredible Culture, and Some More Respect
Conclusively, to love and live happily among these people, you must understand their values, and even if you disagree with them, you need to learn to adjust and respect them. When you hear them rationalize their beliefs, it makes sense too! Luckily, Thais will also give you the same respect and will never look down on your culture, way of life, or even outfits, so it is a win-win! All the best in your transactions and transition into the Thai community! Enjoy your stay.
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