Koh Samui Business Travel Guide

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Koh Samui is ideal for the business person who wishes to host a business retreat, open a resort, or invest in a rapidly appreciating market. Tourism is a rapidly growing industry as more and more of the major resorts make their home in Koh Samui. [more]

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It is also an excellent place to set up as a developer, as more and more ex-pats build or buy homes at an ever increasing rate. The development is generally orderly, leaving the countryside beautiful and untouched so it can draw in those tourists with their tourist money. Koh Samui is fast becoming one of Southeast Asia's premier lifestyle destinations.

Getting to Samui is quite easy-Bangkok Airways currently holds a monopoly on the airport on Samui, and they hold on to it with first class, professional service and on-time departures. Airfare prices are quite reasonable and getting better, and the whole experience in general is hassle-free.

Business Etiquette

When you are lying on the beach or taking a trek through the forest on a mountain bike it can be very easy to forget about professional curtesy. While the average backpacker may be content to travel while stinky and unshaven from one village to the next, the businessman can not afford to do so.

Do not assume politeness is the same the world over. It isn't. There are a few Thai-specific rules of conduct you should know if you do not wish to be rude. The Thai people are generally mild mannered and extremely polite. While this will make your stay in Samui (or anywhere else in Thailand) quite pleasant, it means that if you offend, you will have a very hard time trying to figure out what it is you have done.

Keep these rules in mind and you will be fine:

Shoes

This is perhaps the biggest difference between Western and Eastern culture. Before entering a shop, home, or place of business, look outside the door. If you see a pile of shoes, this is your cue to take off your shoes before entering. This is the single biggest complaint Thai people have of Westerners. Remember, you are a guest in someone else's country.

Feet

The feet are considered the dirtiest, most profane part of the human body. Using your feet to point at something, to hold open a door, step on something you then give to someone else, etc. is considered extremely rude and unhygienic. When in a group, do not cross your legs, as this will either show someone the bottom of your feet, or cause you to point your foot at someone. Propping your feet up on a chair or bench is also discourteous.

Head

While feet are the dirtiest part of the human body, the head is considered the most sacred. Do not touch a Thai person's head. It is best to forego touching a Thai entirely.

Greeting

Most business people will be familiar with the Western handshake. If you wish to raise your esteem in the eyes of a Thai, greet him or her with the wai. Put your hands together in front of your chest and bow slightly. The wai is appropriate for all persons except for children and service people.

When you are introduced, use the person's first name, preceded by the word Khun (pronounced \"khoon\"). For example, if you meet someone named Chan Kittiporn, you would address her as Khun Chan. Thais do not, as a rule, address people by their last name. The use of 'Khun' is formality enough.

Volume

Speak in a calm, quiet voice, even when upset. Raising your voice is a sign of loss of control. The Thai person will likely feel embarrassed for you, but will not otherwise be tempted to give in.

Business Cards

Bring a large supply. The exchanging of business cards is considered essential in any business transaction. Be sure to include your position and title on your business cards, or the business person may become suspicious of your intentions.

Business Lunches and Dinners

It is quite common in Thailand to combine business with pleasure. One might call it a national pastime. Business lunches and dinners are quite common. Whoever extended the invitation is the one who is expected to pay for the entire group. If there is some uncertainty over who invited whom, the oldest member or highest ranking member of the group is expected to pay. Do not refuse this courtesy if you accept an invitation to lunch or dinner-it is considered quite rude.

The foreign business person is not expected to know everything about the culture. If you keep these tips in mind, and make an effort to learn a word or two of Thai, your business contacts will appreciate your efforts and make allowances for inadvertent mistakes.