Business cards
Business cards are exchanged after the initial greeting. Present your card to the most senior person first. It is important that your business card clearly states your first name and your position in the company. Look at the business cards that you receive and place them on the table in front of you. In Thailand you can expect to be addressed by your first name, preceded by Mr, Mrs, Ms or Khun. The latter is a polite form of address for both men and women.
The Wai
The “Wai” is the traditional Thai form of greeting by a person of lower status to a person of higher status. The “Wai” is then returned by the person of higher status, unless there is a great difference in status. Do not return the “Wai” to services personnel in hotels and restaurants or to service staff at offices or homes. For Westerners unfamiliar with the “Wai” is it best to let the initiative to the Thai host, or your Thai business partner. Westerners will often be greeted with a ‘weak’ handshake.