To support your global practice, ACC Docket offers country-specific fun facts from your peers who’ve been there — literally.
| Economy | GDP (purchasing power parity in USD) $1.152 trillion |
| Population | 67,959,000 (2015 estimate) |
| Corruption | According to Transparency International’s “2015 Corruption Perception Index,” Thailand was the 76th “cleanest” (i.e., least corrupt) country out of the 168 surveyed. |
| Economic forecast | Thailand’s growth forecast is predicted to be 3.5 percent in 2017. Robust growth in tourism, along with weak imports, is generating a larger current account surplus than earlier projected, according to the Asian Development Bank. |
| Additional resources | Bangkok Post, English language newspaper |
| Tourism Authority of Thailand |
Famous for its beaches and smiling people, Thailand is located in the middle of the Indochinese Peninsula, a few degrees above the equator. Theoretically, Thailand is supposed to have three seasons: summer, rainy, and winter. However, even before the effects of climate change, winter has been noticeably absent from the country. Most Thais will consider themselves lucky to feel cold weather that lasts longer than a few weeks per year. High heat and humidity are always expected, although it’s practically impossible to forecast rain. It’s very uncommon for Thais to discuss the weather.
Around 10 percent of the population lives in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital and largest city. Thais, in general, are friendly and easygoing. They have a smile on their faces in almost any situation, even if they feel extremely uncomfortable. All Thais are addressed by their given name, not their family name. Besides ranking government officials, most are not serious about their title, but many may feel offended if you incorrectly spell or pronounce their name.
In terms of distance, nothing is far in Bangkok. However, because public transportation is not well developed, it can take you over an hour to fight traffic to get fewer than 10 kilometers away. It’s very common, even for expats, to take an optional (but daring) method of transportation: motorcycle taxis. Thais call them “win.”
The legal profession, either external or in-house counsel, is highly respected. Lawyers are expected to be role models in business practices. Most Thai lawyers, without a foreign educational background, will never be able to get American “lawyer humor.” Although lawyers are not always expected to wear a suit, they must be well dressed. Making an impression matters in Thailand. Punctuality is important in a business setting, but is even more essential in the courtroom.
In Thailand, most legal counsel, both external and in-house, local or international, seem to enjoy common activities in their free time. Golfing, sailing, scuba diving, and nightclubbing are among the top. You should not be surprised if you encounter your professional peers at golf courses, yacht clubs, or high-end pubs, and bars.
