BIZTHAI: Working successfully with Thais

Having worked as a Thai-language instructor for executives in Thailand's leading companies and for members of the expatriate community for more than a decade, I have found a possible solution for how to work successfully with Thais.

There have been many guidelines or tips from many authors and experienced people, and you may find that these work for your organisation. But I will not cover these areas. I will focus primarily on language and culture, in alphabetical order. So let's start at the beginning, with A:

Activity = GÌtjagum

In all organisations, employees are asked to join various activities. You may find that many Thais are rather reluctant or hesitant, due to the fact that they are customarily modest. Nevertheless, as their foreign boss or colleague, you can encourage their participation by saying this:

-Phom pràtthanaa hâi thúk khon khâo rûam gÌtjagum níi dûai gun

-Translation: I wish/would like everyone to join this activity together.

-Try it. I think you'll find it really works!

-Word Bank:

-pràtthanaa hâi: to wish someone…/ would like someone

-thúk khon: everyone

-khâo rûam: to join

-dûai gun: together

Note: pràtthanaa hâi - to wish someone…/would like…is formal language. If you would like to use a different style, consider these alternatives:

-yàak hâi: to want someone… (informal)

-Phom yàak hâi thúk khon khâo rûam gÌtjagum níi dûai gun

-tâwng garn hâi: need someone… (rather formal and strong)

-Phom tâwng garn hâi thúk khon khâo rûam gÌtjagum níi dûai gun

-khaw hâi - to beg someone… (this is humble style, meaning Thais prefer it!)

-Phom khaw hâi thúk khon khâo rûam gÌtjagum níi dûai gun

Kruu Jeab is presently an education consultant and instructional designer at Baan Aksorn Thai Language School. All e-mails regarding the Thai language are welcome at kruujeab@hotmail.com