Land and people. The regions of Thailand -- Climate and seasons -- The people -- A brief history -- Government and politics -- The Thai military -- The police -- Conflicts and border zones -- Town and country -- Economy: the basics -- Values and attitudes. Hierarchy, family, and society -- Status, face, and obligation -- Pride and nationalism -- Public and private realms -- Physical etiquette and the Wai -- Fun, smiles, and generosity -- Attitudes to sex -- Attitudes to foreigners -- Changing times -- Religion, customs, and traditions. Buddhism -- Brahmanism -- The spirit pantheon -- The monarchy -- Religious etiquette -- Festivals -- Making friends. Friendships and formality -- Going out -- Clubs and societies -- Hospitality and the home -- Gift giving -- Dating and romance -- The Thais at home. Family structure and norms -- Names and nicknames -- Houses and living arrangements -- Daily life -- Birth -- Weddings -- Death and funerals -- Gender and sexuality -- Time out. Eating out--Thai style -- Thai cuisine -- Meals and restaurants -- Words on the menu -- Typical dishes -- Regional cuisines -- Condiments -- Fruits and desserts -- Drinks -- Shopping -- Cultural life -- Popular culture -- Sports -- Nightlife -- The sex industry -- Travel, health, and safety. Ease of travel -- Arrival -- VIsas -- Transportation in Bangkok -- Transportation in the provinces -- Where to stay -- Safety and hazards -- Health matters -- Business briefing. Preparation is vital -- Management Thai style -- Establishing trust -- Meetings -- Dealing with the government -- Women in business -- Kickbacks -- Employment in Thailand -- Communicating. The Thai language -- Communicating with Thais -- Understanding Thai English -- Addressing people -- Learning Thai -- Dos and Don'ts -- The internet and SIM cards -- Media and censorship -- Useful apps.