Corporate Culture
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 work. Family comes first before business.
Frankness is not appreciated. Be subtle in responding with a negative reply.