Having been requested to a high level meeting, they initiated it, shortly after it began as soon as I am invited to talk, both the Area Manager and Regional Manager start scrolling through their phones and laptops.
From experience the only way I can gauge if Thais are understanding me, is through their eyes, as I have only had one occasion, a Doctor in fact, who said to me I'm sorry but I did not understand what you said. 
As they both seem to be immersed in what they were doing, I thought it best to stop talking.
When they eventually looked up I said no problem I will wait until you have finished.

Did you tell them who you are? Do they know you are BOB SMITH???

On 8/29/2025 at 9:52 PM, John Smith 777 said:

Having been requested to a high level meeting, they initiated it, shortly after it began as soon as I am invited to talk, both the Area Manager and Regional Manager start scrolling through their phones and laptops.
From experience the only way I can gauge if Thais are understanding me, is through their eyes, as I have only had one occasion, a Doctor in fact, who said to me I'm sorry but I did not understand what you said. 
As they both seem to be immersed in what they were doing, I thought it best to stop talking.
When they eventually looked up I said no problem I will wait until you have finished.

Meeting with a business or government?

Was the subject you were talking about interesting for these 2 people?

Your questions in my opinion are academic.
Nobody should behave in this manner, regardless of the context or circumstances.
Both parties were equal, basically just a normal meeting. And there wasn't any anti farang about this behaviour, as I am sure they do this with everyone.

On 8/29/2025 at 9:52 PM, John Smith 777 said:

Having been requested to a high level meeting

 

the only way I can gauge if Thais are understanding me, is through their eyes 

I often have high level meetings with bar girls from Soi 6, their eyes are beautiful 

 

Let me know if you would like some training in this area 

I worked in Thailand 19 years in semiconductor industry. I have seen the same thing. I put a stop to it by insisting their boss is in the meeting with us. Watch how quickly their behavior changes. If the boss doesn't show up, cancel the meeting, complain to the boss and HIS/HER boss. Attitudes change quickly by elevating to the next level. This is a western technique that Thais have never seen and become frightened when they are forced to deal with it. 

 

Also, if they are ignoring you, point directly at someone and say "...what did I just say? Were you listening?" Point at someone. Thais really don't like to lose face in front of their coworkers.