- Gold Wrapped Thai Gift - Kyle Orland
The question of what gift to bring is a common one if you are in a foreign country and are unsure of what is appropriate. No one wants to cause offence when abroad and the correct gift for a co-worker, a girlfriend or a married couple, can be fraught with pitfalls.
In some parts of Asia, for example Japan, the act of giving a present can be a very formal affair with a high risk of committing a social faux pas. Thailand has become fairly Westernised in this aspect, however, but there are still a few pointers to be had.
General Gifts for Thais
Generally speaking, most gifts should be wrapped attractively in high quality paper. Yellow or gold are particularly favoured as these are seen to be ‘Royal colours’. Red wrapping paper should only be used if the person is of Chinese-Thai origin. Usually the gift is given and received with the right hand and a small wai (hands together in prayer position) can also be a nice gesture. Follow the Thai’s lead when it comes to opening the present. Commonly, a Thai person will put it to the side to be opened later once you have left. This is because a bad reaction to a gift can lead to a loss of ‘face’.
As in the West, the correct gift obviously depends on the occasion and these can vary wildly. It would be impossible to provide a comprehensive list of exactly what gifts should be given in all circumstances but some generalisations can be made.
Gifts for a Thai baby
When someone has a baby it is common to give gold. This is usually in the form of a bracelet, a necklace, or an anklet. An alternative could be to give some kind of ‘baby set’ consisting of things like baby clothes, talcum powder, and feeding bottles.
Gifts for Thai weddings and appropriate gifts for Thai funerals
At both weddings and funerals, you always give money. Nothing fancy is required here – simply put the cash in a plain envelope with your name on it. At weddings, it is common to put the money in the envelope that contained your invite. If you have been invited but cannot attend it is still the norm to send something. There is obviously no set amount, but a thousand baht seems to be the average for a wedding and slightly less for a funeral. Also, at funerals, people sometimes give ‘puang reed’. These consist of a wreath of flowers with the giver’s name in the middle. You do not give money for birthdays and definitely do not do so in anything relating to business. It could be taken the wrong way!
What to give at a Thai graduation
If a friend is graduating from college it is nice to give flowers or dolls. Sometimes you will also see money folded into the shape of flower. Marigolds and carnations are associated with funerals, so avoid these on other occasions.
What gift to give a Thai household
When invited to a Thai’s home a gift is not expected but it is always a nice gesture. Items such as fruit, flowers, cake, brandy, and good quality chocolate will be appreciated and are usually given to the hostess. If it is a housewarming party then, as in the West, a bottle of wine or a dessert would suffice.
What to give a Thai girlfriend
For a local girlfriend, a bottle of expensive perfume is always well received. A more personal gift, such as a make up set, should probably be agreed upon in advance. A souvenir from your home country would also be welcome.
Gifts for Thai work colleagues
When it comes to work and business things are a little different, but not by much. For someone you work with regularly it is always nice to give a small present. Try to avoid something that is too flashy or expensive. Smaller, more personal gifts such as pens, books, or certain foods are a much better option. Something that represents your home country, such as a photographic book, are even better. For example, a Thai person might give you a Jim Thompson silk tie. It is also a nice gesture to buy things such as fruit and leave them anonymously in the office kitchen for everyone to share.
Gifts for Thai New Year
For New Year, it is common business practice to give baskets containing items such as whole fruits, whisky, or cookies. This is usually done on the behalf of the company. Other small items like pens, company T-shirts, and calendars can also be given.
As previously stated, gift giving is a fairly relaxed process in Thailand and it is hard to make a serious blunder. Things such as knives or scissors can be associated with severance, but they would usually be seen as an inappropriate gift anywhere. The majority of the time, common sense should be the main rule.
Jason Ward - The writer of 'The Uneven Passage of Time' (book), and the websites The Word of Ward, and Scifiward.
