Business – Effective communication through language in Thailand - Blog # 7.

By Paul Lambert | August 7, 2020 | #businessenglish, #LearnEnglish, #LearnThai, #slspattaya

Meeting norms:

In a business setting, in a multi-national company, some Thais may be extremely effective in communicating with you one-on-one. However, in a departmental meeting with their foreign bosses and colleagues some Thais may, despite their education and experience, hold back from expressing their thoughts in your language because they are yet to gasp it to “their” satisfaction.

What should you do?:

Translate and moderate for understanding:

Thais will generally have equal knowledge and ability to contribute to invention, creation, problem solving, etc., so, set up your meeting appropriately allowing the Thais to translate their ideas through those Thais more fluent in your language. Also make sure that presentations and information to Thais are sufficiently communicated in Thai so that they understand the subject matter as well as you do.

You may need a moderator, who speaks English and Thai, who ensures everyone has input into the discussion. Thais can be great listeners. They’ll know what you are getting at, so as a leader you want to make sure that everybody can contribute and can express their views.

Business English training for effective communication:

Language is a means of communication. The need of the hour is effective communication to individuals, small groups and the large audience, internally or abroad. Fluency in English is an asset. It is a language most understood for international business. Learning English is an important soft skill for your Thai team to explore and execute their ideas…particularly in a very competitive world. 

You should explore Business English Training and or establish a TOEIC program for the Thai team.