contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

About the Author

Map of Thailand

Introduction

Key Facts

Chapter 1: LAND AND PEOPLE

•  The Regions of Thailand

•  Climate and Seasons

•  The People

•  A Brief History

•  Government and Politics

•  Town and Country

Chapter 2: VALUES AND ATTITUDES

•  Knowing One’s Place

•  Status and Face

•  Respect for Others, and the Wai

•  Self-Confidence

•  Self-Control

•  Maintaining Social Harmony

•  Love of Fun

•  Generosity

•  The Importance of the Head

•  Attitudes to Sex

•  Attitudes to Foreigners

Chapter 3: RELIGION AND TRADITION

•  Thai Buddhism: A Brief Description

•  Visiting Temples

•  Religious Rites

•  Religious Festivals

•  The Brahmin Influence

•  The Spirit World

•  Other Religious Groups

Chapter 4: MONARCHY AND MILITARY

•  The Monarchy Today

•  Respect for the King

•  The Chakri Dynasty

•  Who’s Who in the Thai Royal Family

•  Royal Titles

•  The Armed Services

•  Important Military Prime Ministers

•  The Armed Forces Today

Chapter 5: FAMILY AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

•  Children and the Family Hierarchy

•  Names and Nicknames

•  Family Obligations and Nepotism

•  Birth and Birthdays

•  Marriage

•  Death

•  The Position of Women

•  Thai Houses

•  Relationships at Work

•  Thai Relationships with Non-Thais

•  Visiting People at Home

Chapter 6: TIME OUT

•  Eating Out—Thai Style

•  Thai Cuisine

•  Meals

•  Words on the Menu

•  Typical Dishes

•  Condiments

•  Fruit and Desserts

•  Drinks

•  Shopping

•  Sightseeing

•  Cultural Life

•  Popular Culture

•  Sports

•  Holidays and Festivals

•  Nightlife

•  The Sex Industry

Chapter 7: TRAVEL, HEALTH, AND SAFETY

•  Ease of Travel

•  Arrival

•  Entry Restrictions

•  Transportation in Bangkok

•  Transportation in the Provinces

•  Where to Stay

•  Security

•  Health Matters

Chapter 8: BUSINESS BRIEFING

•  Preparation Is Vital

•  The Chinese in Business

•  Management Thai Style

•  Establishing Trust

•  Meetings

•  Dealing with the Government

•  Women in Business and the Professions

•  Kickbacks

Chapter 9: COMMUNICATING

•  The Thai Language

•  Communicating with the Thais

•  Understanding Thai English

•  Addressing People

•  Learning Thai

•  A Word about Time

•  Dos and Don’ts

•  Communications and the Media

•  Conclusion

Further Reading

Acknowledgments