Thais have a block time frame
Japanese expatriates commented that one of the big differences between both is a perception of time. Japanese expatriates with long experience of working in Thailand did state that the new generations of Thais are aware of these differences and attempt to reduce them; but, they seem to only be able to think in the short-term, meaning only this project; sometimes overlooking contingency and long term planning. One Japanese expatriate stated that
“....Thais tends to focus more on today. They do not see the future. If any problem occur they will said “mai pen sei”(no problem). This is a very dangerous attitude. For us, Japanese, we do not have this. I think Thais should change their way of mai pen rai. My strategies when working with Thais are setting short, medium, and long term plan”.