Module 1: Understanding cultural differences

1. Intercultural awareness, the key to success in international business

• Taking stock of one's own cultural baggage
• The basics of effective intercultural management
• Identifying and going beyond cultural stereotypes

2. Key aspects of Thai culture

• A wealth of resources concentrated on a peninsula in Indochina
• A young, rural population on the threshold of major change
• The key features of Thai identity: the monarchy, Buddhism and a national spirit
• A historical and cultural heritage dating back centuries
• A slow and chaotic transition to democracy
• A country at the heart of the global trading system

3. The impact of values and behaviour patterns on professional dealings and relationships

• An Asian culture
• The cycle of time
• Saving face and keeping up appearances
• A respect for age and for foreigners
• Superstition as an essential aspect of Thai culture

4. The Thai corporate world

• The Sino-Thais: the kings of local business
• Working methods and the notion of quality: Thai pragmatism
• The central role played by business and commerce in Thailand
• The role of the state and the authorities in Thai economic life

Module 2: Succeeding in work with the Thais

1. Effective communication with Thai counterparts

• The circulation of information: a culture based on implicit communication
• Networking in Thailand: building up your circle of contacts
• The basics of effective communication: formality and moderation
• The working language, the role of the interpreter: ensuring that you are properly understood

2. Adapting your working methods

• Identifying cultural traits and customs
• Understanding organizational structures, procedures and decision-making processes
• Anticipating possible obstacles
• Project management, the team spirit, a sense of service
• Pitfalls to be avoided

3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Thais

• Understanding Thai negotiation strategies and methods
• Identifying decision-makers and power chains and negotiation styles
• Written contracts, their interpretation and implications
• Understanding written contracts, their interpretation and implications
• Organizing the post-negotiation phase

4. Final handy tips

• Caution, patience and humility
• Protocol and etiquette
• Social standards, gifts, business cards, dress code, etc
• Sensitive subjects: politics, history, religion
• Humour: a double-edged sword