MOVING TO THAILAND

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KEY FACTS

Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand

Capital City: Bangkok

Type of Government: Constitutional monarchy

Official Languages: Thai

Area: 514,000 sq. km. /200,460 sq. mi.

Population: 65.9 million

Religion: Buddhism, Islam

Currency: Baht (B)

Number of Time Zones: 1

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus 7 hrs; Eastern Standard Time (EST) plus 12 hrs. Thailand does not observe daylight saving time

Weights and Measures: The metric system is used nationally; some local measures may be encountered.

Country Domain: .th

Country Tel Code: 66

AT A GLANCE

Thailand today

As the predominant city, Bangkok has been the center of Thailand’s growth. However, the city’s infrastructure is inadequate for handling both the increased activity and the continuing migration of workers from rural areas, as well as refugees from surrounding countries. Traffic congestion is considered some of the worst in the world, intensifying the already severe air pollution – although a subway system is slated to begin operation in late 2005, with the aim of easing the problem.

Despite the growing pains, the tourist industry is growing as visitors flock to Thailand’s ancient temples and luxury beaches. The tsunami of December 2005 devastated some tourist areas, such as Phuket, but reconstruction has been swift in many areas.

Expatriates will find that the Thai are peaceful, hospitable, and tolerant people who enjoy life. Thai culture is influenced greatly by Buddhism, but also incorporates rites from other eastern religions such as Hinduism and animism. Formerly, status and success were based on a person’s religious and nationalistic attitudes, but more recently they appear to be based on wealth and education. Criticism and any behavior that would cause someone to “lose face” should always be avoided at all costs.

Politics

Thailand has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932. The present King is a member of the Chakri dynasty that was established in 1782. Despite this continuity, there have been military coups and countless changes of government since 1932. Throughout the uncertain times, the monarchy has symbolized unity, stability, and morality for the Thai people.

Theoretically, as Supreme Head of State, the monarch can accept or veto a new law. In reality he has not used these legislative powers of “Royal Decree” in many years. The actual executive power rests with the prime minister, who must be a member of the House of Representatives, or lower house, of the legislature. The legislature is composed of a bicameral National Assembly, the Rathasapha, made up of a 200-member Senate and a 393-member House of Representatives. Members of both are popularly elected, the Senate for six-year terms, the House for four.

After 15 years of political stability, a bloodless coup in September of 2006 resulted in the removal of Thailand’s Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin had suspended his official duties in early 5 April 2006, following protests over his most recent election. He then resumed those duties in late May, but was since plagued by opponents calling for his resignation. Military leaders overthrew Thaksin while he was in New York; interim PM Surayud Chulanont was sworn in October 1, 2006, with full elections scheduled for October of 2007.

Thailand’s legal system is a blend of traditional Thai and Western principles. Judges, who are career civil servants, decide cases; there is no trial by jury. Civil cases involving Muslims are tried in Islamic or Shari’a courts.

Economy

Despite occasional military coups and government corruption, a balance of power seems to exist between the monarchy, the politicians, the bureaucracy, the military, and private businessmen. This balance has permitted Thailand to undergo rapid industrialization. The Thai economy was, until 1997, one of the strongest in Southeast Asia.

Thailand did not escape the hardships of the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and 1998. Problems simmering beneath the surface, such as corruption, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled labor, resulted in a sharp devaluation of the Baht. This in turn resulted in a loss of confidence and reduction in foreign investment. The situation has since improved, with reforms instituted as a condition for a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These reforms included passage of new bankruptcy and foreclosure laws.

Recovering well from the financial crisis, Thailand’s GDP growth was over six percent in 2004. In late December of that year, a tsunami caused over 8,000 deaths and caused extensive damage. By 2006, GDP growth was just under five percent.

UNDERSTANDING THE PEOPLE

About 65 million people live in Thailand. The Thai people attempt to balance the ideals of Buddhism with the reality of life that may include personal pleasure. For example, although Buddhism teaches its followers to refrain from any intoxicants, Thailand has both alcohol- and drug-addiction problems. Buddhism also emphasizes outward modesty and self-reserve while disdaining pomposity and material gain. Once again reality reveals that Thais, like others, prize the material rewards of success in business.

The Thai expression, Mai Pen Rai or “never mind,” summarizes the Thai attitude toward life that tries not to take life too seriously and to enjoy it as much as possible. Thai society has one foot in historical and religious tradition and the other in the latest Western technology and pop culture. It is a freewheeling, mobile society both economically and socially, whose Buddhist religion and monarchy provide the foundation of political and social harmony and profoundly influence daily life.

Ethnic makeup

Approximately 75 percent of the population is ethnic Thai, either Central, Northeastern, Northern, or Southern. Chinese in Thailand constitute about 14 percent, but their intermarriage with Thais over many generations makes it difficult to separate the two. There are also Thais of Malay, Khmer, Vietnamese, and Laotian ancestries.

Minority groups include ethnic Khmer, Vietnamese and other refugees who live mainly along the borders, and approximately 500,000 mountain people who belong to a number of distinct ethnic groups.

Cultural traditions

Krengjai, an important concept in Thailand, means “consideration.” A hierarchical system of status and respect runs throughout Thai society and dictates that the inferior in a relationship, whether by age, sex or status, will feel krengjai for the person who is in the superior position.

The complexity of society in terms of status is evident in the fact that there are 11 different words for “you.” A Thai adjusts his or her language and behavior patterns from a position of superior to that of inferior to that of equal, depending on the known or inferred position of the other person. When someone’s status is not known, a Thai will judge or ascertain a person’s appearance, age, occupation, wage and intra-organizational ranking, education, family and social connections. Family and social connections are the most important factors to a Thai.

Thai artistic traditions are expressed in beautiful ceramics, textiles, and bronzes; in traditional dances and drama; and in Thai boxing.

Religion

Just under 95 percent of the Thais are Theravada Buddhists and nearly five percent are Muslims. There are small groups of Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs.

The government tolerates all established religions; strict laws ensure they are treated with respect by Thais and foreigners alike. However, the government and culture is profoundly influenced by Buddhist principles and practices. Respect for Buddhism and for the monarchy is deeply ingrained and indeed is mandated by law, with offenses specifically identified.

Buddhist temples (wats) and palaces are sacred and proper respect must be shown by dress and decorum when visiting them. Too, Buddha images and funeral monuments (chedis) are sacred; do not touch them or climb upon them. Buddhist monks, in their saffron-colored robes, are a common sight. Do not touch them or ask them to pose for photographs.

Dates written as B.E. designate the Buddhist Era, which is A.D. plus 543, i.e. B.E. 2483 is A.D. 1940.

Language

The national language is Central Thai, which has its own written script based on Pali and Sanskrit. There are many regional dialects. Lao and Khmer are spoken in some northern areas and along the Cambodian border. Chinese and Malay are also spoken by many. Various minorities, such as the Mon and Hmong, have their own languages.

Central Thai is a tonal language with five different tones. Thus, the same syllable can have five different meanings when it is pronounced differently. The Thai language has no set spelling. The names of streets, businesses, people, hotels, etc. may be spelled many different ways.

English is more and more the language of commerce. It is widely understood in tourist hotels, restaurants, and shops and offices in Bangkok and other large cities, but not in the countryside. Many well-educated Thais also understand English, as it is a required subject.

Communication

The traditional Thai values of patience; tolerance; respect for status, age, and authority; modesty; avoidance of embarrassment and preservation of face; and limitation of conflict underlie social and business relationships.

Thais seem to be very relaxed, shy and easygoing in comparison to the more aggressive style of Western businesspeople. One should not, by extension, assume that they are not vigorous negotiators. Thais are very experienced businesspeople and are quite adept at getting the terms that they want.

As in other Asian cultures, directly saying “no” is considered rude and is avoided, even if this requires some degree of prevarication. It is necessary for businesspeople to develop some creative methods for communicating the negative without actually saying “no.”

Avoidance of conflict governs every aspect of life, including business. Thais shun confrontation, and this leaves little place for aggressive business dealings. Always be polite and defer to those who are in positions senior to yours. The concepts of “saving face” and allowing others to “save face” are important in Thailand.

Displays of impatience, anger and other emotions are considered extremely ill mannered. It is critical to remain outwardly calm at all times. Thais mask embarrassment, sadness, or failure with smiles and laughter, even when Westerners would consider such reaction inappropriate for the situation.

Thai attitudes

Toward women

Women represent almost half of the working population; their numbers are increasing in professional positions. Equality of pay and benefits is mandated, but in practice women receive lower pay for equal work in almost all sectors of the economy.

Despite the fact that Thailand is a male-dominated society, there are women in managerial and executive positions. In family-owned companies, particularly among the ethnic Chinese, women hold important positions. Women hold vital positions in the tourist industry as well.

Western businesswomen may find they have more success if they can defer to men and allow them to feel and appear superior.

Western businesswomen can invite Thai businessmen to dinner without any misinterpretation. However, there are traditional evenings out that are for men only that include fancy dinners, nightclubs, music and dancing with hostesses.

Women may wish to be accompanied by a colleague when traveling at night or in remote areas.

Toward work

Thai workers are loyal, hard working, and willing to learn new skills. Although they work long hours and are conscientious, Thai also wish to enjoy life. A balance has been reached between the two attitudes. Labor relations are generally peaceful, and strikes are infrequent.

There is a constant flow of unskilled labor seeking employment in the industrial areas. There is a serious shortage of highly skilled technicians and managers.

Toward foreigners

The government maintains an open, market-oriented economy; it welcomes foreign investment.

Thailand has been spared prolonged invasion and occupation by a foreign power; as a result, the people are unusually warm and open to foreigners. The Thai, however, are very nationalistic, and visitors should be careful not to criticize their country or its institutions, especially the monarchy.

Bangkok is a major international city and its people are used to seeing foreigners, particularly Westerners. Nevertheless, it is not unheard of for people to stare at a blond, blue-eyed person.

Friendships, even among Thai, need to develop over time and sometimes they never do. There is a status consciousness among some Thai, which can sometimes prevent close relationships from forming. Expatriates may feel that all conversation is on a superficial level, quite distant from real feelings. It is rare for a Thai to talk about personal problems to a friend or acquaintance, something that Westerners do quite easily. Let your Thai acquaintance set the tone and the pace of your relationship.

CITIES

Bangkok

Bangkok is Thailand’s main city, and its dominance attracts an ever-increasing population. The government is promoting the development of other areas to relieve the congestion of Bangkok. The metro area’s population is roughly 7.5 million.

Brief history

Since its founding in 1782, Bangkok has been the political, economic, cultural, religious, and administrative center of Thailand. Founded as the capital of Thailand, Bangkok had been a checkpoint for vessels sailing up the Chao Phraya to Ayutthaya as early as 1557.

The name suggests a settlement on water that, up to the last century, was literally the case in Bangkok, with two-thirds of its population living in floating houses or houses on stilts. The writer Joseph Conrad called Bangkok the “Venice of the East.”

The flavor of the city

Today, Bangkok is the largest and most important city in Thailand. It has grown rapidly and haphazardly with the sudden economic surge. The results are traffic congestion that persists throughout the day, air pollution, and infrastructure bottlenecks. The heat and humidity, combined with the pollution, can be oppressive.

Despite the negatives, the city has some charming sections, still rich in tradition and heritage. Open-air markets, street vendors, and beautiful temples abound. There are areas of unexpected green and calm in the midst of the chaotic city, such as Lumphini Park, where joggers and those practicing tai chi find open space.

Foreigners will find everything they need in this bustling city, including some of the world’s finest hotels, department stores, and wonderful restaurants. The nightlife is renowned. Foreigners will find the Thais some of the warmest and friendliest people in Southeast Asia.

Layout

Bangkok’s layout can be difficult to master. The terrain is flat, and the long, straight roads tend to change names every 20 blocks. In addition, names may be written only in Thai. Addresses can be confusing in Bangkok. Many include a soi number in addition to a road name. Sois, secondary streets running off main roads, usually have names as well as numbers. Locals are more apt to describe a location according to a building’s proximity to a soi, as opposed to its actual street address.

The Chao Phraya River, which runs north-south through central Bangkok, is intersected by canals flowing to and from the river. With no single “downtown,” Bangkok actually has four separate business districts. The area centered on Silom Road is considered the financial and commercial center. The adjoining Sukhumvit/Rama I/Ploenchit district includes stores and many of the best hotels. The Vipawadee-Rangsit Road/Ratchadapisek Road area is an increasingly important district of international corporate headquarters. Rattanakosin Island is the site of the Royal Palace, United Nations, and many government ministries.

Chiang Mai

Located approximately 805 km/500 mi north of Bangkok, the Chiang Mai province is home to about 1.6 million people. The city’s metropolitan area has a population of about 700,000. As Thailand’s second largest city, many expatriates find themselves settling in the Chiang Mai district, which lies on the Ping River plain in the shadow of mountains. About 20 percent of the population is foreign born.

Brief history

Chiang Mai is the oldest city in Thailand; it has been inhabited since 1261. Invaded by Burmese in 1558, it was occupied for more than 200 years, and to this day still celebrates its freedom from that rule. Festivals in early May mark the celebration of life within the city, a life regained from the Burmese in the late 18th century. The ancient city walls surround an area that is home to more than 30 temples – some over 700 years old.

Modern Chiang Mai

Today, Chiang Mai is a walkable city with a compact layout. Thapae Road, a main road, is home to commercial space, office buildings, and retail stores. Chang Klan Road is another thoroughfare for business and shopping. The region’s economy consists of rice, tobacco, corn, and sugarcane production, along with other crops. Other industries include textiles, mining, and tourism.

In recent years, the city has developed its upscale artistic side with new resorts, restaurants, and art galleries. Because of the rapid population growth, Chiang Mai suffers some of the same ills as Bangkok – pollution and traffic congestion – although not to the same extent as the capital city.

Due to the tropical climate, houses are generally not heated. Newcomers may want to bring electric heaters to ward off the chill in the event there is a cool spell.

CLIMATE

Thailand has a tropical monsoon climate, with high temperatures, high humidity, and long hours of sunshine most of the year. There are three seasons: the hot season from March to June; the rainy season from July to October; and the cool season from November to February.

The rainy season brings drenching monsoon downpours. Rainfall is heaviest in the south and lightest in the northeast. Summer temperatures reach peaks of 40 C/104 F, with somewhat lower temperatures in the hill country. The cool season brings modest relief at night, with temperatures as low as 8 C/46 F in the north.

Newcomers to Thailand are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal disorders, colds and other respiratory ailments, fungal infections, and prickly heat as they adjust to the tropical climate. Increase your intake of fluids to prevent dehydration, get adequate sleep, and try to avoid stress and depression.

Tsunamis of 2004

On December 26, 2004, a series of tsunami (tidal) waves generated by an undersea earthquake caused massive loss of life and destruction in Thailand and the region. The catastrophic event effected several other Asian countries (with Indonesia suffering the greatest loss of life) and part of Africa. In Thailand alone, the dead number in the thousands, some of those tourists who were vacationing in popular Phuket on Thailand’s southwest coast.

Governmental and international aid agencies assisted in local disaster relief efforts. Consulates and embassies internationally warned citizens to restrict non-emergency travel to affected regions in the immediate wake of the disaster.

Information provided in association with Living Abroad