Thai Business Etiquette: Greetings, the Wai and Workplace Tips

Quick answer: Thai business etiquette is polite, calm and respectful of seniority. Greet people with a smile and a wai (or a nod), call colleagues Khun plus their first name, hand over business cards with the right hand or both hands, and avoid raising your voice or showing anger. You do not need to be perfect. Colleagues in Thailand are usually warm and forgiving when they see you trying.

The wai: how to greet people

The wai is the traditional Thai greeting. You press your palms together and bow your head slightly. The higher the hands, the more respect you show. For a friend, the hands sit near your chest. For a boss or an older person, they come closer to your nose or chin. Move slowly and add a smile.

• Who starts: the younger or more junior person usually wais first. In an office, that often means you wai your supervisor first.
• Returning a wai: if someone gives you a wai, it is polite to answer. A smile and a small nod is often enough if you are unsure.
• Who not to wai first: you do not need to wai service staff, such as waiters, drivers or shop assistants, or children. A smile and a nod works.

Add sawasdee krub (men) or sawasdee ka (women) and a smile. If a colleague offers a handshake, shake it.

Names and titles

Thais use first names, even at work. Use Khun before the first name, for example Khun Somchai or Khun Malee. Khun works for men and women, and it is the safe choice with managers and new contacts.

Nicknames are very common, and colleagues often use them every day. If you are not sure, ask what to call someone. Stick to Khun with senior people.

Business cards

Business cards are still useful, especially in first meetings. Give and receive a card with your right hand, or with both hands. Read it for a moment before you put it away, and do not write on it or stuff it in a back pocket.

Kreng jai, face and sanuk

Kreng jai means being considerate and not wanting to impose on others. A colleague may say yes when they mean 'I do not want to trouble you', or may not tell you about a problem. Be gentle, ask open questions, and check small details in writing.

Face matters too. Embarrassing someone in public, by correcting them in front of others or showing anger, can damage trust. Give feedback in private and praise in public.

Sanuk means fun. Thais like work to feel friendly and light, so joining team lunches and jokes helps you fit in. You will also hear mai pen rai, which roughly means 'never mind' or 'it is fine'. It does not mean deadlines are unimportant, so still do what you promise.

Hierarchy and communication

Seniority matters. Age and position shape who speaks first, who sits where and who makes decisions. Greet the most senior person first, and let them start the meeting or meal.

Communication is usually indirect. A smile does not always mean yes. It can also mean thanks, sorry or embarrassment. Listen for what is not said, keep your voice calm and avoid raising it, even if you are frustrated. For more on how work styles differ across the region, read our guide to work cultures in Asia.

Meetings and punctuality

Arrive on time, especially in Bangkok, where traffic can be slow. Leave early, and message your supervisor as soon as you know if you will be late.

Dress code

Dress smart and modest. In most offices that means a collared shirt or blouse, trousers or a longer skirt, and closed shoes. Avoid very short or revealing clothes.

Many offices in Bangkok are air conditioned and can feel cold, even though it is hot outside. A light jacket or cardigan helps. Check the dress code with your supervisor before your first day.

Head, feet and respect for the monarchy

• The head is seen as the most respected part of the body. Do not touch someone's head, including a child's.
• The feet are seen as the lowest part. Do not point your feet at people or at a Buddha image, and do not put your feet on chairs or desks.

Thailand has strict lese majeste laws that protect the royal family. Insulting or defaming the monarchy can lead to prison. Never criticize or joke about the royal family, in person or online. If you are unsure about a topic, stay quiet and change the subject politely.

Religion and temples

Most Thais are Buddhist, and temples (wats) are active places of worship. Dress modestly: cover your shoulders and knees. Take your shoes off before entering a temple building, and follow others at homes and some small offices.

Dining etiquette

• Dishes are shared. Order several for the table and take a small amount at a time.
• Thais usually eat with a spoon and fork. Chopsticks are mainly for noodles.
• Wait for the host or the eldest or most senior person to start, and let them lead the ordering.
• The host or the most senior person usually pays. Offer once, then accept graciously. Do not fight over the bill.

LINE and messaging

LINE is the most popular messaging app in Thailand, and many teams use it for work groups and quick updates. You may be added to a team chat in your first week. Keep messages polite, and ask your supervisor if the company also uses email.

Holidays

Songkran, the Thai New Year, is an official holiday from 13 to 15 April, with extra holidays added in some years. Many businesses close for some or all of that time. It is known for water fights. Read more in our Songkran guide for interns. Other holidays, such as Buddhist festival days, follow the lunar calendar and change each year, so check the current dates on the official government calendar.

Interning in Thailand with AIP

Asia Internship Program (AIP) has its team based in Bangkok, so help is close by. We place interns in Bangkok and Phuket in fields such as marketing, business development, hospitality, supply chain, real estate and environmental science. Host companies work in English.

The right visa depends on your passport and your situation, and AIP confirms your route before you pay the deposit, if you are accepted in the program and sends the documents the embassy asks for. Every program includes visa assistance and 24/7 emergency support. With Explorer we find your internship and support you throughout; you choose where to live. Traveler includes Standard housing (furnished, with your own bedroom or a shared one with an intern of the same gender, depending on the destination) and a pre-arrival orientation. Pioneer includes Premium housing (a private apartment to yourself, with your own bedroom and bathroom), a preloaded transport card and SIM, a first-day drop-off and tours. With Traveler and Pioneer, we arrange your airport pickup, whatever time you land. Finding your placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit, so apply with a start date at least 12 weeks away. If your start date is less than 12 weeks away, you need AIPx Fast Track. Most international internships are unpaid, and if we accept you but can't place you, you get your full deposit back. See costs on our pricing page.

FAQs

What is the wai and do I have to use it?

The wai is the traditional Thai greeting: palms pressed together near your chest or chin, with a small bow of the head. Younger or more junior people usually wai first, and it is polite to return one. As a foreigner you are not expected to be perfect, and a warm smile and a nod is usually fine. You do not need to wai service staff, such as waiters or shop assistants, or children, first.

What should I call my colleagues in Thailand?

Use Khun plus the first name, for example Khun Somchai. Khun works for men and women. Thai colleagues often use nicknames, so you may hear a short name that is different from the full one. Wait to see what your team uses, and stay with Khun for senior people.

Can I talk about the Thai royal family at work?

It is safest not to. Thailand has strict lese majeste laws that protect the monarchy, and breaking them is a serious criminal offense. Never criticize or joke about the royal family, in person or online. If a topic comes up and you are unsure, stay quiet and change the subject politely.

Is LINE used for work in Thailand?

Yes. LINE is the most popular messaging app in Thailand, and many teams use it for work chats and quick updates. You may be added to a group in your first week. Keep messages polite, and ask your supervisor if the company also uses email, Teams or Slack.

What should I wear to an internship in Thailand?

Dress smart and modest: a collared shirt or blouse, trousers or a longer skirt, and closed shoes in most offices. Bangkok is hot and humid, so choose light fabrics. Many offices are air conditioned and can feel cold, so a light layer helps. Check the dress code with your supervisor before day one.

Ready to experience Thai work culture first-hand? Explore our Thailand internship program.