the textile industry is considered low-tech by most Thai managers not to
47. Also accompanying Booth on this trip was the representative of a major Brazilian raw silk producer. He had been invited to visit Pak Thong Chai in part to comment on the company's procedures for buying raw silk. He spent the better part of an hour examining raw silk fiber piled on tables in JT's receiving area. During his inspection, he asked numerous questions about location of suppliers, storage procedures, treatment of incoming material, etc. Since he spoke no Thai and JT's purchasing personnel spoke no English, Booth played the role of interpreter.
48. Booth 's input to conversations most frequently took the form of questions posed to clarify specific points. For example, during a discussion of spinning defects which took place on the floor of the spinning room in Pak Thong Chai, Booth asked whether the source of the problem might be insufficient maintenance frequency. This question in turn led to extensive discussion of the plant's equipment maintenance procedures.