Business in Asia is generally a formal affair. Since Covid19 has decimated most businesses here in Thailand were borders remain tightly closed after nearly 6 months, some rethinking has been required. The Thai government has made it abundantly clear that it does not welcome "disease carrying foreigners who won't wear masks." And that when borders re-open (maybe late 2020, or in 2021) priority will be given to regions and countries with ZERO community transmission for a minimum of 30 days. Which rules out most of the white so-called-developed-first-world for the next 12-18 months.
New business strategy required! Urgently!
And so, becasue needs must, I have joined a Thai business referral club. I'm the only non-Thai in a Thai speaking group of soon-to-be-50 Thai business owners. All of them have 5 years + experience as business owners here, so are well connected. We have committed to growing one another's businesses, and the weekly meetings thus far have been very formal. Dark suits, microphones, stages, tables with satin skirts, 1990s style hotel conference rooms.
As we prepare for the official opening of the group, we had a get-to-know-each-other pool party yesterday - at a private and very elegant pool villa. Because Trust and Conection are a basis for good business referral.
Now I've been to a LOT of Thai functions in my 17 years here, ranging from drunken village parties around a fire pit, some very spicy laab and a lot of Lao Khao to elegant wedding receptions. I've also been to Thai government functions where shoes with toes showing are not considered polite, nor are bare arms, cleavage or anything that shows the knees. My convent girl self has always felt oddly at home at these events. So the Pool Party invitation was a curve ball. I imagined something rather like this 🤣 - Thai people being very proper, prudish and restrained about sun and water.
Image by sippakorn yamkasikorn from Pixabay
It was also a themed party, which seemed odd. "Sports Theme." Both my daughter and I decided to opt for conservative - I DID wear yoga clothes, but made sure to wear a long singlet which covered me to below the butt line. 😆
"Red bikini or black one?"
The withering look from Miss 16 said it all, and I dug to the back of the drawer for a sensible, not too revealing navy blue one piece swim suit. We both packed enormous cover-up towels AND extra beach cover up tops, just to be sure.
Let it be said that what transpired was nothing short of shocking to me, after 17 years in this formal, ancient and restrained culture. Business cultural faux-pas? I should not have worried at all. My biggest concern quickly became how to keep up with the Thai drinking games and still remain sober enough to drive home.
"Mot Gaew, Mot Gaew!!" - means drink it finished. 😆 🍺 🍷 Chanted by the whole room of some 35 business people who all seem to have unbelievably unrestrained alter egos. 🤣
I need not have worried about the conservative swim suit. Cos everyone was basically thrown into the pool fully clad. My swimsuit never even got wet.
It all started conservatively enough with beers around the pool, Thai language chit chat and the obligatory Thai FOOD in abundant quantity!
After which the pace shifted dramatically to a cross between team-style geting to know you games with a Thai teenage birthday party flavour. 🤣 The "Mot Gaew, Mot Gaew" for the losers or last to participate were an interesting twist. Thai language charades with a professional theme? It was intense and like a no-rules game show!!
Did I mention it was a serious language building hot-house event??
The games eventually moved to the poolside and there was not a dry person left by round 3. Lots of laughter, engagement, more food, alcohol and splashing.
Nope - gotta say I've never played drinking games or swum fully clothed with my new clients before.
Did we have fun?? Actually we had a blast. LOADS of fun. We were among the first to leave at almost midnight and about half the group spent the night at the pool villa.
Culture, and especially business culture, is a strange beast. It changes its spots and sometimes reveals itself in unusual ways. Like last night.
Those of use who have lived in Thailand for a while often shake our heads and use the Thai Tourism Authority slogan, Amazing Thailand. Me? I'm often heard to mutter, Never a Dull Day in the Kingdom.
There WAS a NICE vibe this morning as photos were swapped and people comfortably made new business appointments with new friends.
Grateful. And tired. Early night tonight!
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