[Yswxomvy]

[QUOTE=Richard Barrow;129487]Thais don't like criticism, even constructive criticism. Their way to deal with it is to ignore the problem and hope it goes away. QUOTE]

Thanks. New learning for me! I'll pass this on to that Singaporean lady researcher (Kuzu) who posted an inquiry in this forum.

[QxmFwtlam]

Treat them meals often

Treat them beer often

[zlopikanikanzax]

Treat them meals often

[gorbasevhuynani]

Hi Everyone,

I am an HR Manager who for the first time is participating in a student exchange with Thailand. I currently have 8 Thai university students working in my company in the US.
I do have some questions regarding the best way to communicate...
The students have only been here about 3-4 days. The jobs we are training them to do require a lot of repetition to learn. It usually takes a US worker about 2 weeks to become proficient in their jobs.
Our Thai students are doing a great job and learn very quickly, but everytime I make a correction when they forgot something or do something incorrectly they get very upset and worried that I am going to send them home
Is there an expression or way to let them know that I am not angry, they are not in trouble but I just want to teach them a different way.
I usually say "You did a very good job on this part, but next you should do it this way...etc"

Any insight would be appreciated! I really want them to enjoy their experience with us!

Thanks,
Kerry

[KojlinMakolvin]

Yes I see your problem, but you got to be strait with them, the job needs to be done correctly, be there friend, tell a few jokes, smile and show an interest in there lives out side work, that way they will understand your just trying to help them. Reassure them, that even American workers take a few weeks to get it perfect and not to worry.

[JennyStewarta]

How about:

"You are doing very well and here are some more ideas for doing even better."

Keep on smiling all the time and maybe squeeze their arms occasionally (unless that would contravene workplace regulations).

I guess you might want to be thinking: "What's the softest way I can get this message across?"

[911_993_911]

Thais don't like criticism, even constructive criticism. Their way to deal with it is to ignore the problem and hope it goes away. It is nice that you are trying to understand your workers, but really, they are abroad now for work experience and they need to learn quickly how things are done in other countries. After all, as foreign workers in Thailand we have to adapt to their culture.

If they look worried or concerned that you might be angry with them, just say this phrase in Thai: "mai ben rai". It is used like "don't worry about it". Another one, "mai mee ben haa" means "no problem". The first phrase is very common and is used a lot.

[ireleda]

Don't worry about it, A Thai does not like to think that they do anything less than perfect.
If it was another farang you wuuld not have any problem telling them that there was a different way or that they were doing it less than perfect, so forget being bigot and treat every equal and things will be better.