Navigating business in Thailand requires more than just basic greetings. Politeness, hierarchy, and subtlety matter. Here’s how to avoid sounding like a tourist in a suit.
Essential Greetings and Introductions
สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ (S̄wạs̄dī khrạb/k̄h̀a)
/sà.wàt.diː kʰráp/ (male), /sà.wàt.diː kʰâ/ (female)“Hello (formal)”
The default polite greeting. Men end with 'khrạb', women with 'k̄h̀a'. Crucial for first impressions.
ยินดีที่ได้รู้จัก (Yindī thī̀ dị̂ rū̂cạk)
/jin.diː tʰîː dâj rúː.tɕàk/“Pleased to meet you”
Use after introductions. Pair with a slight 'wai' (head nod with palms together) for maximum politeness.
Meeting Phrases
- ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ (K̄hxthos̄ʹ khrạb/k̄h̀a) - 'Excuse me' (before interrupting or asking a question)
- ช่วยอธิบายอีกครั้งได้ไหมครับ/คะ (Ch̀wy xṭhibāy xīk khrậng dị̂ h̄ịm khrạb/k̄a) - 'Could you explain that again?' (Avoids blunt 'What?')
- เห็นด้วยครับ/ค่ะ (H̄ĕn d̂wy khrạb/k̄h̀a) - 'I agree' (Thais value harmony – outright disagreement is rare)
Tip: Add 'ครับ/ค่ะ' (khrạb/k̄h̀a) to nearly every sentence. It softens statements and shows respect.
Negotiation and Persuasion
| Thai | English | Context |
|---|---|---|
| อาจจะ (Xāc ca) | Perhaps/maybe | Softens suggestions ('Perhaps we could...') |
| ขอเสนอว่า... (K̄hx s̄enx wẵ...) | I’d like to propose that... | More polite than direct statements |
| คิดว่า... (Khid ẁā...) | I think that... | Less confrontational than 'You’re wrong' |
Networking and Socialising
Business in Thailand often blends with socialising. These help build rapport:
- กินข้าวหรือยังครับ/คะ (Kin k̄ĥāw rụ̄x yạng khrạb/k̄a) - 'Have you eaten yet?' (Common small talk)
- เป็นอย่างไรบ้างครับ/คะ (Pĕn xỳāngrị b̀āng khrạb/k̄a) - 'How are you?' (More formal than casual 'สบายดีไหม')
- ขอแสดงความยินดีกับ... (K̄hx s̄ædng khwām yindī kạb...) - 'Congratulations on...' (For promotions, deals)
Avoid asking direct personal questions (salary, marital status) early on. Stick to neutral topics like food or travel.
Email and Written Communication
เรียน (Reīyn)
/ria̯n˧/“Dear”
Used like 'Dear' in emails (e.g., 'เรียน คุณสมชาย' = 'Dear Khun Somchai')
Other useful phrases:
- โปรดติดต่อกลับ (Pord t̀xt̀x klạb) - 'Please contact me back'
- ขอขอบคุณล่วงหน้า (K̄hx k̄hxbkhuṇ l̀wng h̄n̂ā) - 'Thank you in advance'
- ด้วยความนับถือ (D̂wy khwām nạb t̄hụ̄x) - 'Yours sincerely' (formal sign-off)
For more on professional etiquette in other languages, see our guides on Business Persian or Hebrew for Business.
