Thailand Business Guide - UK Trade & Investment

BUSINESS CULTURE
MONARCHY
Thai people have a deep, traditional
reverence for their monarchy, and a
visitor to Thailand should be careful to
show respect for the King, the Queen and
members of the Royal Family.
The current monarch of Thailand is His
Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He has
reigned since 9 June 1946, making him the
world’s longest reigning current monarch
and the longest serving head of state.
Most of the King’s powers are exercised
by his elected government in accordance
with the constitution of the day. However,
he is head of the Royal Thai Armed Forces
and holds the prerogative of royal assent
and the power of pardon. He is also the
defender of the Buddhist faith, Thailand’s
predominant religion.
It is a criminal offence to make critical
or defamatory comments about the King
or other members of the Royal Family in
Thailand. This is known as “lèse majesté”
and is punishable by a sentence of three to
15 years or longer.
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BUSINESS CULTURE
RELIGION
The predominant religion of Thailand
is Theravada or Hinayana Buddhism.
However, there is total religious freedom,
with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and
other faiths practised and protected by the
Thai constitution. Buddhism is the faith
of 95 per cent of the Thai population,
while 4 per cent are Muslims, 0.5 per cent
Christians and the remainder Hindus, Sikhs
and others. Despite the fact that Buddhism
is the faith of the majority, both the Thai
King and the Government uphold and
support all the religions accepted by the
people. Amidst this rich diversity of beliefs
the Thai people have always lived together
in peace and harmony.
Buddhist monks are highly respected and
revered members of Thai communities.
They have special areas reserved for them
at airports and on buses and receive
alms from the public as a sign of giving
and devotion. In towns and villages the
temple (wat) is the heart of social and
religious life.
Visitors should dress neatly when visiting
religious places. Women should not wear
sleeveless tops and short trousers, sandals
or other unsuitable attire. Never sit in a
position where your feet are stretched out
in the direction of a Buddha image.