The Mysterious East

Businessmen are now expected to be diplomats too, full of tact and alert to taboos as they jet around the world. In its FBI Review, the Federation of British Industries offers some sound advice to businessmen bound for Southeast Asia. Items:

> In Thailand and Laos, it is extremely rude to display the sole of the foot or to sit with legs crossed. "It is wise, physically as well as metaphorically, to keep both feet on the ground."

> Do not talk to a Chinese businessman (the most plentiful business type in Southeast Asia) with hands on hips; he will take it for a sign of anger.

> Thais, and some other Southeast Asians, do not like to be touched. When a businessman wants to draw a Thai's attention or emphasize a point, he must never nudge or tap the fellow.

> Despite the heat, a coat and tie should be brought along to almost every business transaction. If the others are not wearing any, the businessman can discard his, but the rest will be disapproving if he guesses wrong and is the only one present without coat or tie.

> At dinner, appreciation is shown by "the fact that you eat well and probably get slightly drunk." Since Chinese dinners run to eight courses, one should never be the first to take food from a new dish or eat much of what is served at meal's end. It indicates that hunger has not been satisfied--and will probably bring on whole new courses.

> Businessmen should not try local customs unless they are sure of themselves. "If you really cannot cope with chopsticks, ask for a spoon and fork."

> Expect to be overcharged, and always check the bill. "Once you start to add, the bill will frequently be removed from your hand for correction." But businessmen should never lose their tempers; that means that the waiter has won the argument, no matter what happens about the check.

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