Culture Smart! Thailand Book

	Map of Thailand	7
	Introduction	8
	Key Facts	10
Chapter 1	Land and People	12
	The Regions of Thailand	12
	Climate and Seasons	14
	The People	15
	Thailand: A Brief History	18
	Government and Politics	26
	Town and Country	27
	Some Key Dates	30
Chapter 2	Values and Attitudes	32
	Knowing One's Place	32
	Status and Face	33
	Respect for Others, and the Wai	35
	Self Confidence; Self Control	36
	Maintaining Social Harmony	38
	Love of Fun	40
	Generosity	42
	The Importance of the Head	43
	Attitudes to Sex	44
	Attitudes to Foreigners	45
Chapter 3	Religion and Tradition	48
	Thai Buddhism: A Brief Description	48
	Visiting Temples	56
	Religious Rites	57
	Religious Festivals	58
	The Brahmin Influence	59
	The Spirit World	60
	Other Religious Groups	61
Chapter 4	Monarchy and Military	62
	The Monarchy Today	63
	Respect for the King	63
	The Chakri Dynasty	65
	Who's Who in the Thai Royal Family	70
	Royal Titles	71
	The Armed Services	73
	Important Military Prime Ministers	74
	The Armed Forces Today	76
Chapter 5	Family and Social Relationships	78
	Children and the Family Hierarchy	78
	Names and Nicknames	80
	Family Obligations and Nepotism	81
	Birth and Birthdays	81
	Marriage	83
	Death	85
	The Position of Women	86
	Thai Houses	87
	Relationships at Work	88
	Thai Relationships with Non-Thais	89
	Visiting People at Home	91
Chapter 6	Time Out	92
	Eating Out--Thai style	92
	Shopping	94
	Sightseeing	96
	Cultural Life	99
	Popular Culture	104
	Sport	106
	Holidays and Festivals	107
	Nightlife	109
	The Sex Industry	110
Chapter 7	Food and Drink	114
	Meals	115
	Words on the Menu	116
	Typical Dishes	117
	Condiments	119
	Fruit and Desserts	119
	Drinks	121
Chapter 8	Getting About	124
	Arrival	124
	Entry Restrictions	125
	Transport in Bangkok	125
	Transport in the Provinces	128
	Where to Stay	131
	Security	132
	Health Matters	133
Chapter 9	Business Briefing	136
	Preparation Is Vital	137
	The Chinese in Business	139
	Management Thai Style	142
	Establishing Trust	143
	Meetings	145
	Dealing with the Government	148
	Kickbacks	151
Chapter 10	Language and Communication	154
	Media	154
	English in Thailand	155
	Making Yourself Understood	156
	Understanding Thai English	157
	Learning Thai	158
	Addressing People in Thai	161
	A Word About Time	161
	Dos and Don'ts	162
	Conclusion	163
	Further Reading	165
	Index	166
	Acknowledgment	168