With friendly people, rich local culture, geographic diversity ranging from pristine beaches to tropical hills, Thailand is a dream destination for an internship abroad.

As a newly industrialised country, Thailand offers many opportunities in several fields. Especially the international tech startup scene and new business development projects are striving. Whether you have already scored an internship or are just gathering information, there are certain things you should know before starting work in Thailand.

For foreigners coming to Thailand to do business, there are some key points to observe and remember. Familiarise yourself with the Thai business etiquette and impress local business partners, forge strong relationships and jump-start your career!

1. Value Relationships!

Many nations like to get straight to the point when business is conducted, but in Thailand first establishing a personal connection is the basis of business. Networking is highly valued and negotiations rarely take place prior to being personally or formally acquainted.

So always accept if you are invited to social activities by your Thai counterparts. Invitations are means of getting to know you before doing business together!

2. Maintain Harmony – Respect Hierarchy!

Since the Thais are supportive of hierarchies, understanding people’s social status and a company’s vertical structure are essential for doing business in Thailand.

To know where to place you in the hierarchy and thus, how to address you correctly, Thai people will often ask you a number of questions when you first meet. These questions can seem quite personal at times, but it is best to just answer them politely.

3. Communicate indirectly!

Wishing to maintain harmony, Thais are generally non-confrontational. Open criticism and negative responses are seen as an insult. Therefore, it is important to learn to read between the lines and pay particular attention to non-verbal cues.

If you need to give a negative response, do so indirectly and do not raise your voice!

4. Want to greet someone? Wai!

This does not only relate to business in Thailand: Thais greet each other with the traditional Buddhist greeting called wai. A wai can be made while sitting, walking or standing.

For this, the palms are placed together and the head is slightly bowed, with fingertips touching the nose. Respect and courtesy are demonstrated by the height at which the hands are held and how low the head is bowed.

A general rule to remember is that the younger person offers the wai and the senior person responds. As a foreigner, it is best to see which greeting you are offered and respond to it. However, you are not expected to know the entire etiquette, so just smile and nod your head slightly in respect when you meet someone.

5. Dress to impress!

Appearance is very important in Thailand. Wear a suitable outfit to be taken seriously by Thai business associates. For men, a dark suit, white shirt, and tie are fitting. Women should wear plain conservative dresses or suits and shoulders should always be covered.

6. Keep your Business Cards on hand!

A business card is more than just a piece of paper – it is your ‘face’ and representation of your status. A high-quality one is an important asset for business in Thailand and usually has Thai on one side and English on the other.

When being given a business card, use your right hand to receive it as the left hand is regarded as dirty. Look at the card to show respect and try to pronounce the giver’s first name or address. Then store the card in an appropriate place.

So if you commit a cultural faux-pas doing business in Thailand, don’t worry about it – laugh it off!