Product Description
Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behaviorin different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basicmanners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you whatto expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This insideknowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feelconfident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successfulbusiness relationships.

Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the cultureand society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whetheron business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include


* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do's,don'ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken


"CultureSmart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... theperfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customsof various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tipsto help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining."Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New YorkTimes
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Customer Reviews (4)

Pocket size
This book was great. Gave great up to date details of so many different things. I have been to Thailand many times. This book has tought me a small amount of a lot. It does not go to far in depth, more of small amount of a veriety of subjects. Perfect for someone who is going for vacation or needing a quich reference.

This book will fit in your pocket. So in a month on my next trip I plan on bringing it with me. In a lot of ways this book was made to be a pocket book. Giving and easy read or re-read at anytime you need it. If you are going to Thailand i recomend you get this book first. Read on the trip there and skim back through it if need be.

Thailand culture
I liked learning about the culture in Thailand, my daughter is going there and I wanted to know about it and to give her the book so she is aware also.

Packed full of info
The book is as described - a 'quick guide to custome & etiquette.' It's compact & full of useful info to study before visiting Thailand.

Good Basic Info
This was a good intro book to Thailand and it's culture with a little Thai history thrown in too. It is a fast read. Our daughter is in Thailand for 6 months through a study abroad program with her college...and my husband and I are planning to go there for 2 weeks this summer. We felt this book gave info that some of the other 'tour' books left out....as the title suggests, it includes customs and etiquette of the Thai people. I'd definitely recommend this book to all traveling to Thailand. (The only draw back is that it was written in 2003 and could be updated a bit.) ... Read more

Product Description

A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

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Customer Reviews (18)

Needs to be updated
The book was a good read. I hate reading but i have enjoyed reading this book. I go to Thailand every 3 months to see my girlfriend. This book has help me understand how to act when i go to her villige. Not the same as in the bigger cities.

It does give the reader a greater understanding of the people and culture. However after visiting many times I think it could use an update. And if an update did come out, I would buy it.

Good Introductory Information!
I bought this book because I have moved to Thailand for one year... the information in it is spot-on, and it's a good overview to a lot of the social rules that can help you to avoid making too many faux pas!I gave it only 4 stars because I found the "doing business in Thailand" section to be mostly geared toward "the expat manager", which I certainly am not.I would have appreciated more general information on workplace participation, but without the assumption that the reader of the book will be the person in-charge of the workplace (I am an international volunteer! So, low on the totem pole). Still, for coverage of religious rules and the BIG taboos like feet/head and jaai rawn/jaai yen... it gives plenty of coverage.

Just OK
I don't know the race of the author, but in my opinion, it seems to be written from the perspective of a white, American business man. Perhaps this was intentional for the sake of marketing, but I found it difficult to relate to. A appreciatethe "realists" perspective, and found some helpful information, but I would not recommend this book to my friends.

Women: find a different resource
This book is geared toward men.Aside from the tiny, basic "if you're a woman be cautious" warning, the writer consistently assumes the reader is a guy. It's annoying, and renders the book to be of limited value for over half the population.

Culture Shock! Thailand
I can't tell you what I think... I ordered this book on July 18th 2006,every few weeks you would send me a notice that I would have to agree to wait or it would be cancelled. After 3 MONTHS you sent me a notice that it was not in stock, nor would you be re-ordering it. Excuse me if I don't gush with praise.
Aside from that I find your services quite helpful, thanks. ... Read more

Product Description
Thailand is rapidly industrializing, dramatically improving the living standards of its people, and gradually developing a more democratic society. Despite such profound changes, traditional Thai culture has not only survived, but has also, in many respects, prospered. Although famous for its food, and despite its increasing popularity as a tourist destination, Thailand remains relatively unknown to most Westerners. Culture and Customs of Thailand presents the traditional culture and customs against the backdrop of modern times. ... Read more

Product Description

The only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by a European power, Thailand is a country rich with history. Thailand Condensed provides readers with an overview of key events in the nationÂ’s past as well as the cultural touchstones of its present. From elephants, tuks tuks, and silk to the realities of modern life, Thailand Condensed is loaded with nuggets of information, all presented in one volume for the readerÂ’s ease of reference.

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Customer Reviews (1)

All things Thai
Very good, as the title says, condensed history and culture of Thailand. I especially enjoyed the timeline of Thailand's kings and leaders. While the volume is small, it does cover a lot of territory and is a fine, generalized addition to anyone's library on Thailand. Up to date. Covers short blubs on the tsunami and SARS. ... Read more

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Explores in text and photographs the intricate and often exotic history, as well as the current realities, of this dynamic Southeast Asian kingdom. ... Read more

Product Description
Working far from the centers of power, six anthropologists view Thailand from the peripheries.The contributors bring anthropological insights to bear on questions of state power and integrate understandings of state power into local ethnographic accounts to produce analyses that will be of wide interest in all of the social sciences as well as Asian Studies and history. ... Read more

Product Description
With the insight provided by this title, travelers will learn how to do business in Thailand. The volume is packed with practical and accurate information to give business persons sure footing and help them feel at home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Still usefull in 2010
I thought this book was useful for the cultural communication aspects.The majority of the book centers on if you are to have a medium to long term stay in Thailand, complete with a local staff, and/or to purchase a local company.

Although the information was useful on how to set up organizations and create an acceptable office atmosphere, the details on the personal interaction is where the book is most useful.This info is timeless, and still applicable 11 years after the book was written, as opposed to the statistics provided on the business and economic climate.

This book is very helpful for my company, [...]



Justin

Good starting place....
I found the culture shock series to be enjoyable reading accross the board, and this business based volume both informative and largely up to date.The business information is based on 98 which makes it only slightlydated, with only the latest goverment incentives missing. The sections ondealing with culture differences were very enlightening(non-confrontational style of thailand verses the "you are just a cog,and here is an in your face review of performance" style of thewestern world). The rehashing of basics you'll find other places is placedhere just in case you missed it (not touching a thai's head, use of lefthand, etc.). Although this wouldn't be my only source of information, it isa valuable one in a limited field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is a fascinating whirlwind tour of Thailand from its climate to its customs!
Thailand is a beautiful country full of smiling people who are "very friendly and accepting of others' ideas."Approximately 75 percent of the people are Thai and 14 percent are Chinese.The rest come from the nearby countries of Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and, we can assume, a smattering of internationals.Thailand means "land of the free."In this Southeast Asian country a king has led the country for centuries, but a prime minister is in charge of the country's business as the president is in ours.This is a fascinating country and this book gives us a comprehensive whirlwind tour of this beautiful tropical country.

In this book we learn about the location, the climate (it's hot there now!), industry, religion, foods, sports and much more.There are many sidebars that have some very fascinating and interesting topics any student could use as a stepping stone for a report.They include Elephant Roundup, Shadow Puppets, Learning at a Wat, Kite-Flying and Sand Pagodas. Other sections talk about fun things.Wouldn't you want to know a bit about the New Year holiday Songkran where people not only explode firecrackers, but also water-throw?There's even a picture of an elephant getting in on the act and spraying people!

This book is a lovely introduction to Thailand.The pictures are appealing and the sidebars give the book an extra bit of zip and fun.In the back of the book there is information on the flag, currency, a lesson in counting from one to ten, a glossary, a Fast Facts section, an index, and additional recommended books and web sites.You probably know the capital of your state or province, but do you know what the capital of Thailand is?Have you ever heard of Chang and Eng the Siamese twins?There are pictures of both of them in this book. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

What you need to know whitout any fuss
After more than a decade on the road around the world I must say this book amused me, it is what a broad specter of the travellers need to know before they make the wrong decisions based on complete misunderstood signals and interpretation of informal gests.
Nicks uncovers rules and rituals hidden for the normal tourist, expat or holidaymaker with thorrow research and interviews from the best of the traders. Its a must read for most people and it will definetly make your holiday, businesstrip or maybe even your marriage better

Talk about over-generalizing and making racist remarks!
This has got to be one of the most poorly written books I have ever tried to read. The author makes sweeping generalizations, which are often derogatory, based on (what I assume) must have been his own personal experiences. If you want to get an accurate picture of inter-cultural relationships, don't even bother with this poor attempt. ... Read more

Product Description

Thailand is a country filled with great beauty and many cultural accomplishments. Allow your readers to explore the specifics of this great Asian country. Topics include an examination of customs, religions, music, and fashion. All topics are exposed in li

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Product Description
The Global Business Series is designed to ease the process of doing business abroad. Though each book concerns a different country, they all follow the same general format by describing how climates and geography shape unique cultures, which are perpetuated through insidious, subconscious imprinting of children by the family and school. Cultural conditioning is so powerful that it defines thought, determines behavior, and limits expression. If you understand your counterpart's cultural conditioning, you will have a great advantage. An understanding of how foreign cultures dominate and permeate foreign economies, politics, and business is vital for negotiating and managing abroad.

The books in the Global Business Series do more than show how to make business use of an understanding of foreign cultures. They serve as springboards to international business by providing information on sources for help, travel tips, living conditions, and ways to overcome cultural shock and enjoy your foreign assignment. ... Read more

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Product Description
Scot BarmZ mines a rich lode of previously ignored cultural ephemera found in popular newspapers, magazines, novels, short stories, film booklets, and cartoons to create a vibrant cultural history of early modern Thailand that moves radically beyond conventional, elite-based historical studies of the period. By focusing on such controversies and conflicts as the status of women, relations between the sexes, class antagonisms, and the growth of a commercial mass culture, this book offers a new interpretation of the key decade of the 1920s and its significance for contemporary Thailand. ... Read more

Product Description
Culture Smart! is a new series of travel guides written for the traveler on the go. Each volume is a quick, accurate guide to customs and etiquette.

Outstanding features of CULTURE SMART!* All the essential cultural and etiquette points are covered, making you confident in a variety of situations.* You will know what to expect in each particular culture. * You will learn how to behave in specific social and business situations. * Essential attitudes and values are clearly explained. * You will find each topic a quick, easy read due to the concise writing style.* Laid out in a clear and easy-to-read format.* Each book has the same look, page count, and organization for reference use.* Small and light, it tucks into your pocket or purse for on-the-go use.* Your Culture Smart! books are written by a staff of experts consult on world travel as a profession.

Be smart! Take Culture Smart! along when you travel abroad! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Don't buy this book - get Culture Shock! Thailand 2005 instead
I was interested in this book until I read Robert Cooper's review.Now I will not buy it, and there are good reasons for you not to, either.

1. Robert Cooper is the author of Culture Shock! Thailand, and uses his name on the review.I trust what he says is true - who would know better? - and he's putting his good name on the line.

2. There is a newly revised version of CS! T for 2005.Culture Smart! is older, does not have the revisions.

3. The definitive, updated, newly redesigned Culture Shock! Thailand for 2005 is about the same price as this out-of-date copy, and you can get an earlier edition (with similar text to this one?) for substantially less if money is tight.

theft
This book is a copy of Culture Shock! Thailand, A Guide to Customs and Etiquette, published by Times Editions, Singapore, first in 1982 and regularly updated.Rights to produce a US version of one edition of Culture Shock Thailand were sold to Kuperard years ago, this did not give them the right to reproduce the book with minimal changes.A great pity Amazon carries such theft. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the most praised guidebook for gay men everpublished. Reviewers and users have praised its cultural sensitivity,its frankness, and insight. Includes an extensive discussion ofThailand's culture and its gay subculture, practical etiquette, plusresources and listings for 15 Thai cities. Each listing is in Thaiscript you can use to point-and-show to get around. Also includes mapsfor major locations with a gay scene. Considered essential for any gayvisitor to the Land of Smiles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

up to date Thai culture and customs
A must for the traveler in Thailand. Complete maps of major cities with gyms, hotels, bars, baths.Also notes on religion, foods, Thailand travel, local phones, money, health and hygeine,and politeness in the wonderful"Land of Smiles" ... Read more

Product Description
The Spice of Life, a beautiful, glossy full color bookand CD Rom in presentation case, was compiled, designed, and producedentirely in Thailand.Spice of Life offers a double dose ofinformation: the gorgeous, sumptuously illustrated cookbook startswith a delightful introductory section on Thailand's culture, regions,and cuisines, then presents in clear, concise, paragraphs the myriadvegetables, meats, fishes, sauces, and spices that can be used toprepare Thai dishes.The recipes are arranged by category:appetizers, soups and curries, salads, main dishes, rice & noodles,sauces, desserts, and beverages.Each recipe comes with the originalThai name, a translation, list of ingredients, step-by-stepinstructions, and a "tip" to help you prepare the most delicious dishpossible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

both book and CD ROM are excellent
I bought this package at a hotel in Thailand because I love the food there and I want to cook it. I am a novice cook but I love this package. The production values are outstanding. Each Thai ingredient is pictured and explained in detail which is really helpful to those like me who aren't sure what fish sauce or bale fruit is. There is a section on Thai culture that gives you the big picture for these dishes. The CDRom is really fun and is a model of how to do this beautifully, simply, and informatively.If you've ever eaten Thai food and want to cook it but have no idea where to start then this is perfect. It's in depth and extensive enough for experienced cooks too.

Excellent Thai Cooking Book Gift with Interactive CD
I've been looking for a good easy-to-read modern Thai cook book for long time. This is the best so far, especially for a beginner like me. The presentation of the entire book is well packaged ready for a gift. THIS IS THE BOOK TO BUY. The introduction of this book will show you what each ingredient look like with useful detail. Then it talks about Thailand and its regions and food. Then bunch of good easy-to-follow recipes.

I ended up purchased the second one for a birthday gift. The book is durable for everyday kitchen use with nice plastic cover. You can search for recipes from the Interactive CD Rom. The software organize the menu set for you depending on the event you will cook for. Every recipes present with a beautiful presentation of each dish. It's a little pricey, but well worth it to have on your Thai cooking collection. I can just keep on bragging about this book.

Spice of Life
Absolutely fantastic.The book and cd-rom is beautifully presented, and the recipes are not at all difficult to follow.I would really recommend this book/cd-rom to anybody and everybody - a must if you're looking forauthentic Thai taste. ... Read more