Global Human Resource

Prepare an expatriate package for your employee that is going to work in the country of Bahrain. I have attached an example but I am not expecting 30 pages. This assignment needs to be no more 3 pages with all of this information.

· Expatriate packages should include the elements listed below.

o culture and customs

o business etiquette

o equitable compensation (taxes)

o moving allowance

o housing

o children’s education

o home visits

o transportation/vehicles

· Must be in APA format.

Use credible resources and provide the citations for them
Congratulations on your new management role in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Over the next three years you will serve as the Director for our new branch. This is an exciting time in our company since it is our first international operation and we are thrilled that you have agreed to lead the way. Your participation in this business venture will not only provide you with amazing business experiences, it will also provide your wife, Becky, and children Payton and Audrey, a rich and exotic cultural experience.
We know that relocating with your family will be an adjustment and our hope is to make your transition as easy as possible. To ease the transition, we have created a packet of information that will cover the information that an expatriate needs to know for business and for family needs. Further, we have arranged for Kan Chantuk to serve as your host country sponsor. Mr. Chantuk works with Thailand’s Ministry of Agricultural and Cooperatives and has been instrumental in assisting with the navigation of governmental system and processes. His contact information along with other connections will be included in your packet.
Once you have had a chance to review your packet, please contact me for any clarification or additional information. I wish you success and a wonderful adventure in your new assignment.
Best Regards,
Toni Edwards
Human Resources Director
Phone: 334-333-1133
[email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMAITON 4
Geography 4
Weather 5
Population 5
Language 5
Government 6
Economy and Major Industry 7
Holidays 7
WHAT TO DO BEFORE DEPARTURE 8
Requirements for Entry 8
Sponsor Contact 9
Pre-Visit to Thailand 9
Driver’s License 9
Moving Plans and Expenses 10
LIVING IN THIALAND 11
Arrival 11
Embassy Location 11
Housing 11
Education and Childcare 12
Language Assistance 12
Utilities 13
National Religion and Church Services 14
Technology 14
Sports 14
Currency 15
Banking 15
Natural Disasters 15
Healthcare Availability 16
Postal Service 16
Crime and Safety Issues 16
Transportation 17
Dining Etiquette and Foods 17
BUSINESS GUIDELINES AND ETTIQUETTE 19
Government, Policy, and Laws 19
Minimum Wage 19
Employee/Employment Discrimination 19
Labor Unions 20
Women in Business 20
Meeting and Office Conduct Guidelines 21
Communication 22
Compensation and Fringe Benefit Related Information 23
Compensation Package 23
Taxes 24
Spousal Employment Support 25
Cultural and Language Training 25
Benefits 25
Assistance from Human Resources 26
REFERENCES 27
GENERAL INFORMAITON
Geography
Thailand is located in the center of Southeast Asia. Thailand is mostly landlocked and Chiang Mai is in the northern region and furthest away from the beaches. It is bordered by Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Malaysia. Thailand has mountains, beaches, and rivers all contained in its roughly 200,000 square miles; this makes it possible to experience various terrains and views without extensive travel.

Weather
Thailand is a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 66 to 100 degreesFahrenheit. The summer months are typically rainy; summer is also monsoon season. Winters have milder temperatures and drier air. Chiang Mai, in particular, is in the northern portion of Thailand and therefore has the coolest weather.

Population
Thailand has a population of almost 70 million people. Based on the land area, the population density is around 350 people per square mile. Chiang Mai metropolitan area is densely populated with around one million people. The population is fairly homogenous with about 75% of the population being ethnically Thai and 14% Thai Chinese. The remaining 11% of the population is not easily defined asit is a collection of various ethnic groups that are minimally represented.In regards to religion, 95% of the population practices Buddhism.

Language
Thailand’s native language in Kham Muang, or Northern Thai or Lanna. English is rarely used in businesses or by the locals; however, highly educated people tend to speak English as a second language. You may find English speaking employees in hotels or tourist related businesses as well.
Government
Thailand is led by Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has sovereign power and serves as the head of state in this constitutional monarchy. The King is the head of the armed forces and the constitution grants him a sacred and inviable status. He is the moral leader of the country and has served on the thrown since 1946. While there is a constitutional monarchy, there is also three branches of government that consists of a National Assembly which is the legislative branch, a judicial system, and an executive branch.
The national government is separated into seventy-six (76) provinces, each led by a Governor. In seventy-five (75) provinces, the governor is appointed by the Minister of the Interior; however the Governor of Bangkok is elected. This is a point of continuous contention among Thais and there is a push from the citizens for more provinces to have general elections to elect governors. This political unrest on the local level is perpetuated on a national level as well.
The national government structure is currently unstable due to the political unrest in Thailand. There have been several coups over the years; however, the coups didn’t include bloodshed and were fortunately resolved with little violence and bloodshed. The political agitation that currently exists in Thailand led to the Prime Minister dissolving parliament in 2013, leaving the country with no proper government. In 2014, the Prime Minister was ordered out of office for abuse of power and the last few years of political unrest and a military coup has left those in Thailand uncertain of their government’s and military’s abilities. The King is continuously working toward a more stable government as are the elected officials. It is important to note that in the current state, the government involves itself in foreign investments and corruption can be seen at all levels of society and government.
Economy and Major Industry
Thailand is a capitalist, free-market economy but recently has encountered some national economic difficulties. Regardless of Thailand showing little growth recently, it is still South-East Asia’s second biggest economy. It is predicted that the economy will begin to recover around2016. Part of the government’s plan to revive the economy is to increase exports through growing international business ventures. Currently their top industries are export of automotive parts, financial services, electric components and appliances, and tourism. They also have a fair amount of textiles, agricultural processing, beverages, and tobacco.

Holidays
Thailand has many national and public holidays. Below is a list of some of the observed holidaysthat may be of interest to you; these dates are for the current year, 2015. Some holidays have floating dates; therefore, refer to the website for the published dates each year.
• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• January 31 – Chinese Lunar New Year’s Day
• February 14 – Makha Bucha, a Buddhist festival celebrated on the full moon
• April 6 – Chakri Day, a day to commemorate the founding of the Chakri Dynasty
• April 13 – 16 – Songkran, the traditional New Year’s day
• May 1 – Labor Day
• July 11 – Asahna Bucha, a day to commemorate the Buddha’s first sermon
• Aug 11 – Queen’s Birthday
• October 23 – Chulalongkorn Day, a day to commemorate King Chulalongkorn – deceased 1910
• November 6 – Loy Krathong, festive holiday that comes from the tradition of making buoyant baskets and floating them on the water
• December 5 – King’s Birthday
• December 25 – Christmas Day
WHAT TO DO BEFORE DEPARTURE
Requirements for Entry
You and your family must have your passports and Visas up-to-date. First time passport applications may take slightly longer than a reissue or updated one, so factor that time into your plan. For first time applications, visit one of the application locations closest to you; the following website has a list of locations: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. You will need the following items to apply for a passport:
• Two photographs of yourself/dependent that is applying for the passport
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• One valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
Because you will be in the country longer than a visiting Visa will allow, you have to apply for a work permit prior to departure. To apply for your work permit, you will need an initial non-immigrant visa. Once you receive that, you can begin the process for a work permit through the Ministry of Labor office. Information can be found on their website: http://www.mol.go.th/anonymouse/home. This process takes seven business days to accomplish and requires the following documents:
• 2 inches photo
• Medical certificate
• Original passport
• Letter of employment (we will provide this)
• Certificate of degree
• Address in Thailand
Even though it rarely occurs, Thai officials can legally demand proof of ID and detain those without proper documentation; therefore, it is important for you and your family to always carry your U.S. passports with you. Further, you must carry your work permit with you at any time you are conducting business away from or at the office to ensure that you can always show proof of citizenship and of eligibility to conduct business.
Sponsor Contact
Kan Chantuk, a liaison with the Thailand Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, will serve as your host country sponsor. His contact information is as follows:
Phone: +66-53-283-902
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: 153 Sridonchai Road,
Chang Klan, Chiang Mai 50100,
Thailand

Pre-Visit to Thailand
Prior to your relocation, you and your family will visit Thailand for 14 days. Your sponsor will meet you at the airport and take you to the office to get acquainted with the employees already hired while your family gets settled in the hotel room. When you visit, your sponsor will connect you with a real estate agent from Chiang Mai House Property Sale & Rental Management. They will also introduce your family to the Head Master of Chiang Mai International School to ensure that you are aware of educational opportunities for your children. There is also a recruiter, Sue Xi, who is working with Top Organics,who will be available to assist your wife if she determines she would like to find employment; you should meet her on your first visit to the office.

Driver’s License
An international driver’s license is required by expatriates if they are to drive in Thailand. The international drivers’ license is obtained by submitting your application to the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the National Automobile Club and must be obtained prior to arriving in Thailand. Any license that you would obtain once in Thailand is considered invalid.
Moving Plans and Expenses
To make sure your belongings are taken care of, AGS International Movers has been contracted to pack and move all of your household items to Thailand. Any items you wish to leave in the United States will need to be clearly marked and/or placed in storage prior to the movers arriving. The forms you must complete are found on AGS’s website: http://www.agsmovers.com/branches/asia/thailand/thailand. The move will need to be scheduled at least 14 days prior to your arrival in Thailand; we will provide you an allowance for temporary living costs during the move on a reimbursement basis.

LIVING IN THIALAND

Arrival
Upon arriving in Thailand, you and your family will be picked up by a car service and you will be taken to your hotel. Once you have had some time to settle in, your sponsor will pick you up from the hotel lobby at approximately 3:00 p.m. He will take you to the office and then to pick up your company car.

Embassy Location
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate are open Monday through Friday from 7:00am-4:00pm, excluding official holidays. They can be of service to you for a multitude of issues to include lost passports or Visas, overseas voting, notary services, and is a source for other resources for U.S. citizens in Thailand.
U.S. Embassy Bangkok U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai
120-22 Wireless Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10330 387 Wichayanond Road
Tel: +66-2-205-4000 Tel: +66-53-107-7000
Housing
It is our hope that you will find a home during your pre-move visit to Thailand while meeting with the real estate agent from Chiang Mai House Property Sale & Rental Management. However, if appropriate housing is not found on that pre-visit, you will be allowed 5 business days off to find appropriate housing based on your family’s needs and desired location. It is important to consider the neighborhoods, the distance from work, as well as what educational choices are available for your children in each neighborhood.
Education and Childcare
If your family chooses to homeschool, there is support through the local colleges for tutors. If, however, you determine that your children will attend a private school, there are several options to choose from. There are international schools that are equivalent to schools in America. The English speaking schools are generally American or British Curriculum and the cost of these school varies considerably based on prestige, location, and reputation. There are also reputable boarding schools available both within Thailand and outside of Thailand that we can research if you are interested in pursuing this option. Some of the best international schools in Chiang Mai are Chiang Mai International School, Nakornpayap International School, and Lanna International School. Chiang Mai International is the school you and your family will visit during your pre-move visit.

Language Assistance
Although you will have been through language training and there are employees on staff that speak English as their second language, we have arranged translation services (written and spoken) to be available to you during your stay. Tansperfect is a Thai based translation service that we have contracted with. There is a prepaid retainer and a budget for utilization of this service; the budget will be discussed with you upon your arrival. The services account is found under our company name and you must show ID to contract a session. Their contact information can be found at the following website: http://www.transperfect.com/_Thai_translation.html.

Utilities
Utilities are normally not included in rental prices so you will be responsible for setting up services for your home. Please note that if bills are paid late, the only way to make a payment is in person at the company’s office.
• Mobile phone service is available in 2G or 3G and landlines are still available if you would like to have a home phone. You will be provided with a mobile phone; however, you will have to set up additional lines for your family. The major carriers are True Move, AIS, and DTAC.
• Internet service is available for your home; however, most providers require non-residents to sign a 1-year contract and pay for six months of service up front. The major carriers are True, 3BB, and TOT. Ask around your neighborhood which carrier has the best service in the area as quality of service is based on area. Of note, Wi-Fi is available in most area restaurants and coffee shops but it is unreliable.
• Television is available but is heavily programmed with Thai shows. It is considered expensive to expand your service to include Western channels, running around 2,000 THB per month. The two most reliable providers are True Vision and WeTV.
• Water is low in cost and runs the average family 100 to 200 THB per month.
• Electricity costs range widely based on the dwelling size and family usage of electricity. Please keep in mind that Thailand uses different plugs and voltage for electronics and an adapter will be needed for items you ship from America to Thailand. Additionally the hertz levels vary from the U.S. to Thailand; this is not an issue for any appliance other than a digital clock which runs off of hertz measures and would therefore not keep time properly.

National Religion and Church Services
Buddhism is the Thai national religion and it plays a huge role in every day society such as setting the values of being respectful, having self-control, and being non-confrontational. Around 95% of the population of Thailand is Buddhist. In Chiang Mai there are over 300 Buddhist temples with few alternatives available for different religions. There are several masques, two English speaking interdenominational Christian churches, and one Catholic Church; however there are no Jewish services at this time. Of note, tolerance for other religions is generally high and religious freedom is protected by the constitution.

Technology
Thailand is still in the early stages of technology development. Most of their growth has been attributed to the involvement of the government. From 2001 to 2007, mobile technology use grew from 12% of the population to around 82% of the population. Land lines for phone usage is common. Unfortunately, dial up is still the most common way to access the internet in Thailand and DSL or wireless is rare in homes. The next best place to access the internet is through a school.

Sports
Thailand has two national sports: Takraw and Muay Thai. Takraw is similar to soccer in that it involves using only the feet, knees, chest, and head to hit a ball. Muay Thai is a form of kickboxing. Another sport in Thailand called Sepak Tekraw is very similar to volleyball.
Currency
Thailand’s official currency is the baht and bears the Kings picture. A baht can be divided into 100 satang. Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 baht and coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 4, 10, 25, and 50 satangs.

Banking
Although ATMs and credit cards are accepted throughout Thailand, the transaction fees are usually fairly high. Also, with the proliferation of credit card fraud and pickpocketing, it is usually better to use a reputable bank for exchanging currency and carrying only the amount of cash you need.
You may choose to keep your bank in the United States but you should set up an account at a local Thai bank to allow for automatic payments and to avoid high withdraw fees. You will need your passport and work visa in order to establish an account at any reputable establishment. If you prefer to work with international banks rather than local only, CitiBank is available.

Natural Disasters
There are natural disasters that may occur during the rainy season which runs from May to October; September and October are the months most monsoons occur. Additionally in Northern Thailand, near Chiang Rai, there is a fault line with potential earthquakes. The most recent earthquake in 2014 was a 6.0 magnitude.

Healthcare Availability
US healthcare benefits are not portable to Thailand; however, the medical care there is of a very high standards with very low costs. See the Benefits section of this packet for information on your medical insurance.

Postal Service
The postal service in Thailand is reliable and efficient. They have full packing services at the post office and have express mail and international mailing assistance. Until you have a postal address, you can set up a hold system at most postal branches for a short amount of time. Do not use postal service for money orders or currency exchange; banks are more reliable.
If you need an international courier service, several are available. Below is a list of dependable companies.
• DHL – Tel: 02-207-0600
• Federal Express – Tel: 02-367-3222
• UPS – Tel: 02-712-3300

Crime and Safety Issues
Crime rates in Thailand, nationally, are moderate with rare occasions of violent crime. This area is, however, a high threat area for credit card fraud and there is a moderate amount of petty crimes related to pickpocketing and purse snatching. Currently no political, or otherwise hostile, groups are active in Thailand to cause concern for Westerners although political unrest does still exist. The area that your assignment is in, Chiang Mai, specifically, is considered a low threat area for crime or safety issues.

Transportation
Bus, plane and air transportation is readily available at low cost to all metropolitan areas to include Bangkok which is only about an hour flight from Chiang Mai. There are trains and buses that run on a regular schedule and the route and timing are very accommodating to travel just about anywhere. For more short commutes, a tuk-tuk is preferable given the heavy traffic congestion in high density cities. Tuk-tuks are open air vehicles similar to golf carts in most cases but occasionally are still pulled by men or bikes. There are no meters on tuk-tuks and trip costs are negotiated in advance so always be sure to have a reasonable amount in mind to avoid overpaying. Most tuk-tuks are comfortable for two riders, so for families of four, the bus may be more cost effective for short trips around the area. Depending on where you are going and your desire for adventure, mopeds are available to rent.
You will have a company car available to you and your family. The company’s auto insurance plan only covers you as a driver; therefore, if a second car is needed, you can purchase a vehicle while in Thailand.

Dining Etiquette and Foods
When dining at restaurants and in homes of Thais, there are dining and food etiquettes that are important. If you want a taste of home, Western hotels and restaurants usually carry Western cuisine. Below is a list of some customs and practices that you should be aware of.
• Never snap your fingers to attract a waiter; do not raise your voice either. It is acceptable to say “Nong” and slowly waive your hand with the palm side down.
• When eating Thai food, use the tablespoon in your right hand and the bottom of the fork in the left hand. The fork is used to push food onto the spoon; chop sticks are not regularly used.
• Rice is served at almost every meal and it is acceptable to move food into your rice bowl to be mixed.
• Never pass anything over a person’s head because the head is considered sacred.
• To show you are full, you should leave a few bites of food on your plate.
• When you are finished eating, place your spoon and fork on your plate as if they were at the 5 and 6 place on a clock.
• Never offer to split a bill or argue over who pays; the host pays the bill.
• A few cautionary comments on Thai foods:
o Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled
o Salads must be washed in purified water
o Fruit must always be peeled.
o Expect Thai dishes to be hot and spicy; food is almost always flavorful and rarely bland.
BUSINESS GUIDELINES AND ETTIQUETTE

Government, Policy, and Laws
Thailand’s government has been in turmoil for years and they have preferential trade agreements with several countries such as Japan, New Zealand, China, Australia, and Indiana. For firms that are competition with those countries, there will be price pressures. Other concerns for U.S. businesses is the lack of transparency in governmental actions, little guidelines or policy that is enforced in businesses, and corruption that can be found at all levels. Thailand is known to have a high rate of intellectual property rights piracy as well. Keep in mind the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) that prohibits corrupt practices and encourages free and fair markets of trade. More information on the FCPA can be found at the following website: http://www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa/guide.pdf.

Minimum Wage
Thailand does have a minimum wage and employers must pay employees a minimum of 300 baht a day; with the current exchange rate, this is the equivalent of about $10 U.S. a day. Companies found to be paying below the minimum wage may face up to six months in jail and a 100,000 baht fine.

Employee/Employment Discrimination
Workers in Thailand have many of the same rights by practice and law that U.S. citizens have; however, they are enforced on a more informal and relaxed scale. There is mention of equal rights regardless of age, race, sex, and health in their constitution; however, it is not always enforced as law. This is evidenced by the normal practice of advertising jobs requiring the applicant be attractive and young.

Labor Unions
Sources show that Thailand allows and supports labor unions; however, according to the Solidarity Center run by the AFL-CIO, Thailand has a long way to go to have humane and equal treatment of employees siting unfair labor practices and human trafficking. They state on their website:
“Despite provisions in Thailand’s constitution that protect the right to form unions and bargain collectively, the government failed to adopt International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, which cover these rights, and its labor law is not in compliance with ILO core labor standards. Thai labor law prohibits nearly 80 percent of the workforce from freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. As a result, only 1.5 percent of Thailand’s nearly 40 million workers belong to unions.
Under Thai labor law, workers in the private sector have the right to form and join unions. But membership and eligibility restrictions undermine this right. Despite the ban on anti-union discrimination, employers frequently dismiss workers who are trying to form unions, and the courts often take the side of employers.”

Women in Business
Women are well respected in business in Thailand and they enjoy a reasonable salary compared to men and compared to other countries. Thai women earn approximately 90% of their male counterparts; the negative side of being female in this society is that it takes longer to climb the ranks and few reach executive levels. With the increase in international businesses coming in, the number of female executives continues to rise.

Meeting and Office Conduct Guidelines
Conducting business and working in a Thai office can be very different than in the U.S. The more important conduct issues that you need to be aware of include:
• Business decisions are slow with recommendations passing through many levels before being decided upon.
• Planning is done on a short-term basis usually rather than long-term.
• Top management is often related on a familialbasis and power and respect comes from who you know and who you are related to.
• Introductions in Business are generally formal but it is still expected that you introduce yourself by your first name. When making introductions, always state the lower-status person first as a way of showing respect to the higher ranking individual.
• Thais address each other by first names and reserve last names for written correspondence. If you are uncertain of an individual’s name, you may always address them as “Khun”.
• The common Thai greeting is “wai”. Foreigners are not expected to give the wai first, but it is an insult not to return it. To do the wai gesture, place your palms together, with fingers at chest level and close to your body, then bow slightly. The higher your place your hands, the more respect you are demonstrating. The tips of your fingers should never go above eye level.
• First meetings are not normally set with the intention of resolving many work issues, rather it is used as a time to get to know each other. Thais believe it is impolite to conduct business prior to being acquainted.
• Negotiations are slow andthe process is more important than content.
• Work is usually conducted into the evening rather than early mornings.
• Business is always separate from family and family comes first.
Communication
Frankness is not appreciated so be subtle in responding with any negative information.Body language is important to the Thai people. Below are several things to keep in mind related to oral communications and body language.
• Touching between people of the same sex is more common in Thailand than in many other Asian countries; however, touching someone of the opposite sex is taboo and showing affection in public is not acceptable.
• Never touch or pass anything over anyone’s head because the head is sacred and respected.
• Don’t point your feet in the direction of a person or touch anyone with your feet because feed are seen as unclean.
• Putting your hands in your pockets while talking to someone is seen as disrespectful; putting your arm on the back of a chair that someone is sitting in is also seen as disrespectful.
• A smile does not necessarily mean agreement. A smile may mean the person is sorry and is offering an apology, it may be used as a greeting, a thanks, or even a show of embarrassment.
• Talking with your hands, as many Americans do, makes Thias believe you are angry.
• Passing items with your left hand is not acceptable nor is pointing, especially with one finger.
• Crossing your legs in front of an elderly man or a monk is disrespectful.
Compensation and Fringe Benefit Related Information

Compensation Package
The compensation package will include your base salary plus a) bonus, b) cost of living allowance, c) housing allowance, d) company car, e) moving expenses, f) home leave, and g) children education allowance. The following table is in U.S. Dollars and outlines the total compensation package over the three year assignment.
Description 2015 2016 2017
Base Salary $300,000.00 $300,000.00 $300,000.00
Bonus $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00
Cost-of-living allowance $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00
Housing allowance $12,000.00 $12,000.00 $12,000.00
Company car (Valuation amount) $6,000.00 $6,000.00 $6,000.00
Moving expense reimbursement $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00
Home leave $0.00 $5,000.00 $0.00
Children Education allowance $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

Assumptions used in these calculations includes the following:
• Bonuses are paid at the end of the tax year.
• Company car is valued at $6000/year and is for business and personal use; this is a taxable benefit.
• Living in Thailand for more than 180 days constituted residency.
• Tax treaties are not considered for these calculations.
• Moving expenses is a maximum amount and will reimbursed for actual expenses.
• Children will be educated in Thailand.
• Performance and COLAs are not included.

Taxes
The following information is for your information only and is not to be used as tax or legal advice. These tables illustrate the current currency conversions and tax rates. You will need to work directly with an accountant to prepare your annual tax returns and to get advice about your compensation package and withholdings. Your sponsor, Mr. Chantuk, will provide you with a list of local accountants that are skilled in international wage and tax regulations and laws.
The example of your taxable income is displayed using current tax rates and has been convertedto THB based on the current exchange rate of USD1.00 = THB32.46.
Year-ended 2015 2016 2017
Salary in TBH 9,738,000.00 9,738,000.00 9,738,000.00
Bonus 649,200.00 649,200.00 649,200.00
Cost-of-living allowance 324,600.00 324,600.00 324,600.00