 |
| Hai-kiat: Giving Respect in Thailand June 2000
|
HAI-KIAT is the Thai word for giving respect, honor and sometimes "giving face" to the other. HAI-KIAT can really build good business relationships but conversely, can ruin the relationship as well. Let's take a look at some examples. A young Thai woman executive who had spent several years in the USA returned to Thailand recently. She received her MBA from the USA and works in a MNC with a Thai boss who also graduated from overseas. One day after an in-company conference, her boss continued sitting down at his table jotting down notes. She approached her boss and asked him to sign off a memo. While the boss was reading the memo, she stood up and waited for her boss's signature. The boss's face looked angry as he told her- "Why do you stand up over my head? Would you HAI-KIAT me (give me some respect)?" She was so stunned that her boss would care about that, since her boss was a western graduate. Immediately, she had to sit down! So please be careful not to stand over a Thai, particularly one who has more seniority in terms of age or position rank. Another example of HAI-KIAT… In a meeting room when the boss says something incorrect and you as subordinate try to correct the boss's statement immediately, there is a possibility that the boss might think that you did not HAI-KIAT him/her. In this case, you should find an opportunity after the meeting to advise the boss of the mistake and let him correct it by himself afterward. Sometimes Westerners may not act HAI-KIAT to Thais without any intention to offend. Using the feet to point to something, or using feet to open a door may send the signal of MAI HAI KIAT. (MAI is no in Thai). A dirty joke in an inappropriate place like a formal meeting where both parties do not know each other may also be MAI HAI KIAT. Another Thai custom that foreigners should know is MA-RA-YAT or the "good manner". When you do not act with the proper manner, Thais will say that you MAI MEE-MA RA YAT ( MAI MEE is don't have). If you smoke in the meeting room that has "No Smoking" sign, you are considered MAI MEE - MA RA YAT. If you speak with food in your mouth at the dining table, it is also considered MAI MEE - MA RA YAT. When a Thai kid argues with his parents at home even with good manner, some parents will complain that the kid MAI HAI KIAT - POOYAI (Senior people) which is a form of MAI MEE MA RA YAT. This also explains why Thais avoid explaining the detail of their work to the boss when the boss complains of poor performance. They run the risk of being perceived to be arguing and considered MAI HAI KIAT or MAI MEE MA RA YAT. When working with Thais, an understanding of the importance of respect and good manners will give you a great start.
Kriengsak Niratpattanasai
|
|
| ...from Kriengsak Niratappanasai's Thailand Tales |
|
|
 |
| Kriengsak Niratpattanasai Thai Danu Bank Bangkok Thailand |
| Kriengsak was one of the Asian Business Strategy & Street Intelligence Ezine's earliest columnists and continues to provide some of the most savvy advice on the Net on working in Thailand. His down to earth advice from years of working with falang and locals mixed with local folkstories continues to delight and inform. Click on Kriengsak's picture to learn more about our great friend and colleague. |
 | Thailand Tales Index -
About Kriengsak -
Other Columnists |
asia's only dedicated daily ezine for the asian business, management, strategy & marketing professional
research articles news independent columnists business strategy market & street intelligence
© Kriengsak Niratpattanasai and the Asia Pacific Management Forum 2000