IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL Business Customs Business relationships in Thailand are not as formal as those found in Japan, China, Korea, or the Middle East, but neither are they as relaxed and impersonal as is common in the West. Many business relationships have their foundations in personal relationships developed within the social circles of family, friends, classmates, and office colleagues. Although Thailand is a relatively open and friendly society, it is not advisable to approach potential business contacts without a prior introduction or personal reference. Thais will be more receptive if you arrive with an introduction or letter from a known Commercial Counsellor or service club member. The Thai cultural values of patience, respect for status (age, authority, etc.), and not losing face, are significant factors in business relationships as well. Losing patience, or using a very direct or what may be perceived as overly aggressive approach to obtaining information will probably not achieve the desired results. It might be important upon first meeting a business contact for personal information defining status and formal relationship to be exchanged. Source: Thailand Business Basics, Standard Chartered Bank. Travel Advisory There is currently no travel advisory in effect for the country of Thailand. Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. Visas Passports and onward/return tickets are required. Visas are not needed for stays of up to 15 days. However, without a visa, entry is permitted only when arriving at the international airports in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai. For longer stays, or overland entry, travelers can obtain visas in advance from a Thai embassy or consulate. For stays of up to 60 days a tourist visa is required, the fee for which is $15 U.S. dollars. For more current information travelers may contact the Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, tel. (202) 944-3600. Holidays The following days are the commercial holidays which will close most business and government offices in Thailand during the calendar year 1994: January 3 New Year's Day February 9-10 Chinese New Year February 25 Magha Puja Day April 6 King Rama I Memorial and Chakri Day April 12-14 Songkran Days May 2 Labor Day May 5 Coronation Day May 24 Visakha Puja Day July 25 Buddhist Lent Day August 12 Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday October 24 Chulalongkorn Day December 5 His Majesty the King's Birthday December 12 Constitution Day In addition, the American Embassy, and other U.S. offices, may observe the following holidays: January 17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday February 21 President's Day May 30 Memorial Day July 4 Independence Day September 5 Labor Day October 10 Columbus Day November 11 Veterans Day November 24 Thanksgiving Day December 25 Christmas Day Business Infrastructure Transportation: Thailand's road system compares favorably with that of other NIC's in the region. However, due to the majority of the population living in the Bangkok area, the city traffic is constantly congested. Expressways, highways, and mass transit infrastructure are all in the works to help eliminate congestion problems. The first phase of the skytrain mass transit system is due to be completed by 1995, and two other mass transit systems are currently being considered to assist people movement throughout Bangkok. The State Railway of Thailand operates 3,800 km of railway tracks with 623 destinations and four main routes: Bangkok-North to Chiang Mai, Northeast to Nongkhai and Ubon Rajathani, East to Prachinburi and South to the Thai-Malaysian border. A rail route from the Eastern Seaboard Development Project to Bangkok is being built to facilitate transportation of cargo. Thailand has coastlines on the Gulf of Andaman Sea with 58 sea channels, 40 operational seaports and 90 fishing trawler piers. Out of 6000 km. of navigable inland waterways, 1,750 km can be used as transportation routes for bulk cargoes. Thailand offers the advantages of low-priced handling costs, cheap labor and inexpensive storage costs. Currently, Thailand has 27 domestic airports, 5 of which meet international requirements for port of entry. Bangkok International Airport is located about 30-45 minutes outside of Bangkok city, with a current maximum passenger capacity of 16 million. In response to predicted growth in air flight passenger and cargo demand, the government has announced plans to construct a second international airport at Nong Ngu Hao in Samatprakarn Province. It is predicted that Bangkok will soon rival Singapore as a regional aviation hub. Language: Thai is the national language; English is the next most commonly spoken language, especially among the business community. Communications and Utilities: One of the major weaknesses in Thailand's infrastructure has been the inability of telecommunications, water and utilities facilities to keep up with growing demand. Therefore, the cost of securing a telephone line is very expensive, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, and will remain high until capacity catches up with demand. This is expected to occur by 1996. Likewise for water and utilities rates, which are generally high, but vary with location and industrial estate. Health: Medical treatment, especially in Bangkok, is good. While the general level of health is good, hepatitis is endemic. The incidence of AIDS is increasing, especially among prostitutes and intravenous drug users. Malaria is a problem in rural border areas, but not in Bangkok or other major tourist destinations. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The international travelers hotline at the Center for Disease Control, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information. Food: Eating is an important part of the Thai group- oriented culture. Thai food can be very spicy; the main cooking ingredients include rice, noodles, vegetables, meats, fish, spices and chilies. Thai food can be enjoyed in a wide variety of venues, from streetside kiosks to elegant world-class restaurants. Housing: There are a wide range of hotel accommodations available for the business traveller. A P P E N D I X A