How Do I Set Up A Business Meeting?

[Gregga]

Since I can write here whatever I want I thought it would be perfect to ask for a sort of advise.
I'm here in Hua Hin trying to set up a business and I was having few meetings with Thai people and was deeply shocked by the fact that they are not very polite in business relations. They are smiling at your face and shake your hand but they just afraid to loose they face and that is why they are doing it (smiling) rather then say "No" They don't answer my emails and stop picking up the phone. This is soooo childish!
The advise I'm looking here for is what should I do or how things are usually done with Thais? I need to have a meeting with someone but there is a girl ( assistant i guess) that not even trying to understand what I want she simply ignores me! And this happens in other places too - there will be some kind of assistant receptionist who ruins it all before I even start. It lasted for a month or so.
One of the places I'm talking about is a major shopping center in Hua Hin - I cant get through this stupid ignorance and talk to a Big Boss.
In fact I'm just whining I need to somewhere

[Ginjaninja]

This is soooo childish!

Yeah I've come to the conclusion lately that Thais just simply lack the ability to properly mature. Really spoiling the Thai experience for me as a whole and seriously considering other options for residence...


GN.

[Lung Per]

I just watched a commercial on my TV, I believe it was for Listerine mouthwash. The first scene showed a businessman trying to get passed the office secretary to meet the boss. She felt his bad breath and refused. Next scene, after gargling with Listerine, she was all smiles and let him pass to the Bigga Boss.
Everybody happy, thanks Listerine!

Now, on a serious note, in Thailand big bosses will usually only talk to big bosses. It is in their culture not to say "NO THANKS" directly into your face. Hence the stalling tactic.

Advice: Give it up, seek another venue.

[margaretcarnes]

You have to try to get to grips with the heirarchy for a start. Getting a bunch of people together who are different ages, sexes and levels in the business seems pontless.
The lower ones in age and/or rank, plus the women, will probably feel embarrassed. They won't feel able to participate, because the heirarchy and culture don't allow them to.
Best to go to the one main man IMO. Be patient, and above all be polite. Observe any rituals - he may want to take you for lunch for example before talking business.
It may seem archaic for someone who is used to Western ways, but they are doing you a favour. Go with the flow.

[johnnyk]

Adapt. You are in their country. Calling them names and whining is not constructive. Learn something about the culture, no matter what country you're in. Just because things are done one way in your culture does not mean people who do things differently are childish or stupid, it makes sense to them in their country.

[dtaai-maai]

^^

[Lung Per]

It might be an idea to consult with the Commercial Section of your embassy, in Bangkok. Talk to the Commercial Attaché, not one of his local employees. He is there to help you and can provide counseling and advice on how to do business in Thailand. And it's a free service.

[MrPlum]

In my first two years here, I had business meetings with dozens of factories and businesses. They were all very polite and encouraging but what really makes the difference is when you actually start to place orders. Until then you are just another sales person, making your pitch.

If you aren't making any headway, perhaps the problem is not them but you?

[Roel]

Gregga, since you ask for "a sort of advise" my advice would be to Google 'doing business with Thais' and you will find a wealth of information as in this example link:
http://americanexpatchiangmai.com/weste ... nd-perils/
Good luck.
What kind of business are you in? Being a buyer usually gives you much better opportunities in Thailand than being a seller. But there are exceptions of course.

[Hilux]

I need to have a meeting with someone but there is a girl ( assistant i guess) that not even trying to understand what I want she simply ignores me! And this happens in other places too - there will be some kind of assistant receptionist who ruins it all before I even start. It lasted for a month or so.
One of the places I'm talking about is a major shopping center in Hua Hin - I cant get through this stupid ignorance and talk to a Big Boss.

Hi Gregga
In my experience with doing business in Asia, if you want to talk to the boss and there is a secretary/front dest you need to go through you will most likely not get the meeting by trying yourself.
You need to get your secretary (or somebody acting as your secretary) to set up the meeting for you. In their opinion, you are not important enough (not on the same "level" as the person you wish to speak to) if you do not have a secretary as well. And they will not pass you through to the boss.

Hilux

[MrPlum]

If you mean Market Village and you are trying to rent a space, there is a tenant manager who you should be able to see fairly easily, unless all the units are filled. The information desk at the front of MV can give you her details.

If you want to sell in the food court, you need to see the Tesco food court manageress, who is known to be challenging, even with Thais.

If you are selling a product or service and don't have a Thai speaker helping you, why should they struggle to communicate in your language?

Perhaps the Business Centre on Petchkasem can provide you with assistance? A useful Thai contact, perhaps. It's on the left hand side past the Post Office, heading towards MV.

[Dannie Boy]

You've gone awfully quiet Gregga, how about a response to some of the suggestions so far?

[dtaai-maai]

He hasn't 'gone quiet' at all, he just hasn't logged on since the OP. There are a few members who aren't addicts!!

[Dannie Boy]

He hasn't 'gone quiet' at all, he just hasn't logged on since the OP. There are a few members who aren't addicts!!

Well when somebody posts a question, I would normally expect them to be looking to see what the responses are, it's not a case of addiction, but self-interest. Still everyone to their own!!

[Lung Per]

He hasn't 'gone quiet' at all, he just hasn't logged on since the OP. There are a few members who aren't addicts!!

Perhaps a secretary's dog scared him out of town.