Moving to Thailand for work? The first thing you need to do is integrate into the local culture. But how do you earn the trust and respect of your Thai colleagues? Based on my years of expat experience in Thailand, here are some tried-and-true strategies (and a few clever tricks!) to help you get along seamlessly in the workplace.
Table of Contents
1. Displaying a Photo of the Thai King
Thais deeply respect their monarchy, and the King is often referred to as "Po," meaning "father."
When the previous King passed away, companies and public spaces set up memorials, and many people visit the Grand Palace to pay their respects.
Displayinga small photo of the King on your desksignals respect for Thai culture and can help you build camaraderie with your colleagues. This small gesture can make a surprisingly big impact on workplace relationships and efficiency. 
2. Making Donations for Buddha events
Thailand is a Buddhist-majority country, and donating to temples is a common practice. It’s normal for Thais to raise funds for temple renovations or construction.
When colleagues distribute donation envelopes for temple projects, don’t hesitate to participate! Contributing evena small amount (such as 50–100 THB)demonstrates your willingness to engage in local traditions, increasing your likeability among Thai coworkers. 
3. Wearing or Displaying a Buddhist Amulet
Many Thais are deeply religious and believe Buddhist amulets bring good luck. It’s common for people to wear amulets orhave tattoos with Buddhist inscriptions.
Displaying a "Buddhist amulet" at your workspace shows cultural appreciation and serves as a great conversation starter. Your Thai colleagues may share stories about their own amulets, helping you forge stronger connections with them. 
#For more insights into Thai culture, check out my articles:Everyday Life in Thailand I、Everyday Life in Thailand II
4. Learning Thai
Imagine meeting a foreigner who speaks fluent English despite not being a native speaker—it immediately makes them feel more relatable, right? The same principle applies in Thailand. When Thais hear a foreigner making the effort to speak their language, their friendliness and warmth skyrocket.
While English is widely used in business settings, relying solely on it will limit your integration. Learning basic Thai phrases for daily communication goes a long way in fostering relationships and gaining trust.
I regularly share useful Thai language learning tips on myYouTube channel, where I cover essential workplace Thai expressions. Additionally, I recommend checking out resources I gatheredMy Tips on Learning Thaiincluding,Learn Thai with ThaiPod101.com、Let’s Learn Thai!, and more.
✍️ Resource to Learn Thai
If you're looking for structured Thai language courses or study materials, here are some recommended resources:- Udemy Thai Courses (Taught in English)
- Hahow好學校泰文課(中文授課)- I'm lucky to have Thai teachers and colleagues who help me learn the language. If you don’t have access to a Thai-speaking environment or local friends/teachers, I highly recommend these two well-reviewed courses on Hahow. Thai is relatively easy to pick up, and the content is well-structured. The key is to find a teaching style that suits you best—this applies to learning any language. The teacher’s style makes a huge difference! 😆
5. Building Relationships with Small Treats
Thailand is a country where reciprocity plays a big role in social interactions. Sharing small snacks or treats is an essential part of workplace culture. Thai colleagues, known for their warm hospitality, often surprise me with little gifts, such as a suddenbag of Thai milk tea on my desk—pretty much a standard gesture here.
So, how do you reciprocate? Pay attention to what your Thai colleagues enjoy in terms of snacks or souvenirs from your home country.
Sweet Treats & Snacks Are a Thai Favorite
Most Thai colleagues keep a stash of snacks in their desk drawers, ready for a quick bite throughout the day.
Thailand has a famously "relaxed" work culture. A simple task can sometimes take three to five days before any update.
Here's a pro tip: bring a small snack, sit next to your colleague, and give them a friendly smile. There’s a saying: “You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.” In Thailand, this works like magic! The moment you offer them something to eat, they’ll feel shy about making you wait and will prioritize your request—super effective!
In Thailand, foreigners don’t receive special treatment. Even among business profressionals from developed countries, locals see you as an equal. If you get angry or try to exert authority, it will only make Thai colleagues less willing to help you. So, avoid acting superior—it won’t get you anywhere!
Every time I return to my home country, Taiwan, I bring different local snacks to see which ones my Thai colleagues love the most. Based on my experience (and that of my predecessors), Taiwanese "Little Prince Brand Snack Noodles Oodles" and "77 Nougat Chocolate" are absolute favorites—great for "motivating" colleagues!
If you consistently bring back small treats and share them at the office, you'll quickly become everyone’s favorite coworker, making your work smoother and more efficient!
Beauty & Skincare: A Thai female Essential
Thai women are passionate about beauty and skincare. Every female colleague's desk is guaranteed to have a mirror—it's a must-have! When I first started working in Thailand, the first Thai word I learned was "mirror." 😂
Thailand has a relatively lower average income, but people here love to spend—especially on cosmetics and skincare products. Regardless of their financial situation, everyone invests in beauty products!
In our Thai office, even the assembly line workers have mirrors on their desks. Every morning, they show up looking like social media influencers, as if they’re about to start a live stream. No exceptions, regardless of age! Because of this, I quickly learned the Thai word for "mirror" and realized how much they love skincare and makeup.
If your home country has high-quality skincare or beauty products, bringing some as gifts will make you very popular. In my case, Taiwanese face masks, in particular, are a big hit in Thailand (especially whitening products). Giving face masks as small gifts can significantly boost your workplace popularity!
Here are some recent insights on working in Thailand. Feel free to share your own experiences!
🧑🏻💼 Finding Talent in Thailand: Recruitment Resources for Companies
Having spent eight years in Thailand, I’ve compiled a list of effective recruitment channels to help HR professionals find the right talent quickly and efficiently. This resource provides:
- A comparison of job requirements versus Thai market expectations.
- Seven key methods/platforms for job postings in Thailand.
- Guidance on where to post job openings to attract the right candidates.
- Strategies to increase the number of quality applicants.
- The Thailand Recruitment Resource Guide- is available for only 30USD. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out via :FB.
Articles on Expats in Thailand：
👨🏽💻 Thailand Expat Workplace
【Job Hunting in Thailand】Are There Many Expat Job Opportunities in Media/Photography? Industry Talent Demand Analysis
【Opening a Bank Account in Thailand】Can Foreigners Open a Bank Account in Thailand? Banking & Credit Card Applications for Business and Tourist Visa Holders
【Hiring in Thailand】A Recruiter’s Perspective on Hiring Bilingual Talent in Thailand
【Expat Training】Corporate Training Seminars for Expats in Thailand
【Cost of Living in Thailand】Can You Save Money While Working Abroad? A Breakdown of Living Expenses in Thailand
【Thai Office Culture】Workplace Observations: Understanding Local Colleagues in Thailand
🚆 Bangkok Vacation Transportation
【Getting Around】Common ways to navigate Bangkok’s city traffic.
【Airport Transfers】Private car transfers from BKK/DMK airports to Bangkok city hotels.
【Bangkok Ride-Hailing】Comparing Thai taxis vs. Grab—which is more cost-effective?
【First-Time Visiting Thailand?】Get One-day Bangkok sightseeing passes
【Taking the Train in Bangkok】Experiencing Thailand’s railways—waiting for trains on the tracks!
⛱️ Expat Life Perks! Join Local Day Tours & Explore Attractions
【Must-See for 1st-Timers】Floating Market Day Tour from Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong Market & Amphawa Fireflies Cruise
【Golf Booking in Bangkok】How to Book Luxurious Golf Courses in Bangkok at a Discount?
【Thai Costume Experience】One Day - SENSE OF THAI Costume Rental Experience
⚙️Useful Tools for Travelers in Thailand
【Unlimited Internet in Thailand】The most popular eSIM and SIM card options among travelers.
【Luggage Delivery】Luggage Concierge | Same-day delivery from BKK Airport to hotels in Bangkok.
🍜 Bangkok Food
【Unique Thai Snacks】Exotic Thai Street Food Experience
【Michelin Restaurants】20 Must-Visit Michelin Dining Experiences in Bangkok | 2024 updated
【Classic Thai Seafood】Discover Thailand’s Best Coastal Eateries
【Thai Local Delicacies】Experience Thailand's street food stalls! How to say "not spicy" in Thai?
🛏️ Business Trip Accommodation in Bangkok
【Bangkok Hotels】Recommendations for 20 high-value hotels in Bangkok (including low and high season prices).
