Chapter VII: Correspondence Thai Social Etiquette, Ministry of Culture, by Sudchit Bhinyoying
From: Pensri Kiengsiri, Sudchit Bhinyoying, Malithat Promathatavedi, Thai Social Etiquette, Ministry of Culture, Bangkok 2007, ISBN 974-9681-45-2
Proper etiquette for the host and the invitee
Once you decide to host a reception, party (for example, one day before the date a party or banquet for a number of guests, it is imperative that you send them invitation cards. Such cards should not be sent too early (several weeks before the actual date of the party) and not too close to the date of the party (for example, one day before the date of the party). Allow some time for the invitee to reply. In most cases, cards are sent out about two weeks before the date of the party.
Example for an invitation card
Example of informal invitation
Although the invitation is marked R.S.V.P. (the abbreviation for French "Repondez, s'il vous plait" = please reply), some people may not reply. It is therefore acceptable if the secretary of the host makes a phone call to the invitee on the day or the day prior to the reception to enquire about attendance.
Sometimes, for an informal function, the host may write an informal letter of invitation, giving the date, time and location of the event, describing the event and including directions and relevant details. He may also close by encouraging the invitee to attend.
Notes for invitational letters, acceptance or refusal of such letters:
If the invitation is purely a social event, a handwritten note will be appropriate. Typed letters will be appropriate if the invitation is in some respect a business or semi-formal event.
Some people may issue the invitation on 'regrets only' basis. In such cases, the person invited has to reply when he/she is not able to attend.
(This is only an example. The tone and the content of the letter may vary according to the degree of close relationship between the sender and the invitee.)
Example of thank-you letter for hospitality
Example of condolence letter
Chapter VII Correspondence, taken from:
Pensri Kiengsiri, Sudchit Bhinyoying, Malithat Promathatavedi, Thai Social Etiquette, Ministry of Culture, Bangkok 2007, ISBN 974-9681-45-2
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